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Merissa (14106 KP) rated Her Wicked Angel (Her Angel: Eternal Warriors #3) in Books
Apr 10, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
I thought that Veiron had stolen my heart but it appears that it is split in two and Asmodeus holds the other part! I will say that feisty, stubborn Liora is Asmodeus' perfect match. These two actually work together to move forwards. They know when they have hurt the other and take steps to say sorry or repair whatever damage may have been done. The interaction between these two is just perfect, whether it is witty or flirtatious banter or whether it is deep, soul-searching.
Erin and Veiron are also in this and continue to show just how wonderful they are together. I still love Erin's attitude and how she won't bow down to the male in her life but instead meets him toe-to-toe.
Amelia and Marcus also show up but Marcus appears to be more and more 'ghostly' as the series moves on. He is just fading into the background which is a shame whereas Amelia still feels that instead of the original angel, she is the ultimate matchmaker but no one is good enough.
Tears, laughter, sexiness - it's all here. I can't not give it 5 stars!
ps, does anyone know where I can get a couple of my own hellhounds? Romulus and Remus are brilliant!!!
* 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!
August 6, 2016
Erin and Veiron are also in this and continue to show just how wonderful they are together. I still love Erin's attitude and how she won't bow down to the male in her life but instead meets him toe-to-toe.
Amelia and Marcus also show up but Marcus appears to be more and more 'ghostly' as the series moves on. He is just fading into the background which is a shame whereas Amelia still feels that instead of the original angel, she is the ultimate matchmaker but no one is good enough.
Tears, laughter, sexiness - it's all here. I can't not give it 5 stars!
ps, does anyone know where I can get a couple of my own hellhounds? Romulus and Remus are brilliant!!!
* 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!
August 6, 2016
ClareR (6256 KP) rated Moonlight and the Pearler’s Daughter in Books
Jul 19, 2022
Moonlight and the Pearler’s daughter ticked a lot of the boxes on my ‘favourite books’ list:
Historical fiction ✅
Set somewhere completely out of my previous knowledge ✅
A strong female character, operating in a difficult situation ✅
A bit of a mystery ✅ (I don’t really want to try and solve it, I just like the big reveal!)
As is often the case, the expectation of women in historical fiction is to stay at home, look after the house, wait to get married and have babies. But Eliza won’t stay at home when her father goes missing - she doesn’t assume he’s dead like the rest of the townsfolk.
There’s a real feeling of danger in a town where there appears to be no law keepers - not honest one’s, anyway. And if the corrupt, prejudiced townsfolk don’t get you, the climate and the wildlife (jellyfish, crocodiles!!) will.
This is a gripping, descriptive novel, that puts the reader firmly in Eliza’s world. I certainly had more of an idea of the hardships of living in NW Australia at this time. What will stay with me however, is Eliza’s determination to save her father and her family. She’s single-minded in her quest to find him, and determined not to let anyone else take the blame for his supposed death. It’s unnerving at times, when the attitudes of the white settlers towards the Aboriginals and other people of colour are starkly described.
A dark time in history, indeed.
And I’d highly recommend this. It’s wonderfully told.
Historical fiction ✅
Set somewhere completely out of my previous knowledge ✅
A strong female character, operating in a difficult situation ✅
A bit of a mystery ✅ (I don’t really want to try and solve it, I just like the big reveal!)
As is often the case, the expectation of women in historical fiction is to stay at home, look after the house, wait to get married and have babies. But Eliza won’t stay at home when her father goes missing - she doesn’t assume he’s dead like the rest of the townsfolk.
There’s a real feeling of danger in a town where there appears to be no law keepers - not honest one’s, anyway. And if the corrupt, prejudiced townsfolk don’t get you, the climate and the wildlife (jellyfish, crocodiles!!) will.
This is a gripping, descriptive novel, that puts the reader firmly in Eliza’s world. I certainly had more of an idea of the hardships of living in NW Australia at this time. What will stay with me however, is Eliza’s determination to save her father and her family. She’s single-minded in her quest to find him, and determined not to let anyone else take the blame for his supposed death. It’s unnerving at times, when the attitudes of the white settlers towards the Aboriginals and other people of colour are starkly described.
A dark time in history, indeed.
And I’d highly recommend this. It’s wonderfully told.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Heartbreak Bay ( Stillhouse Lake 5) in Books
Nov 1, 2023
162 of 235
Kindle
Heartbreak Bay ( Stillhouse Lake 5)
By Rachel Caine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They’re hunting a killer so silent, so invisible, that his unspeakable crimes are the only proof he exists.
A car submerged in a remote pond. The bodies of two girls strapped into their seats. The mystery of their mother, vanished without a trace, leads Gwen Proctor and Kezia Claremont into dangerous territory.
On the surface, Gwen’s life is good—two children approaching adulthood, a committed partner, and a harrowing past dead and gone. But that past is attracting the attention of someone invisible…and unstoppable. Trouble’s just beginning. So is the body count in this backwoods Tennessee town.
As threats mount and Gwen’s hunted by an enemy who pulls all the strings, Kezia has her back. But working to solve these vicious and unreasonable crimes will expose them both to a killer they can’t for the life of them see coming.
Loved this kinda had to take a breath after Keiza finds those poor babies I even put it down for a few to just breathe. It was full of tension and I really liked that it was the two kick ass females taking the lead. I did want to shake Sam and say well that was a bit obvious mate!!! Really good ending! This is such a sad place to be knowing this was the last book Rachel Caine sent to be published and I can’t thank her enough for getting me through some hard times. Thank you..
Kindle
Heartbreak Bay ( Stillhouse Lake 5)
By Rachel Caine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They’re hunting a killer so silent, so invisible, that his unspeakable crimes are the only proof he exists.
A car submerged in a remote pond. The bodies of two girls strapped into their seats. The mystery of their mother, vanished without a trace, leads Gwen Proctor and Kezia Claremont into dangerous territory.
On the surface, Gwen’s life is good—two children approaching adulthood, a committed partner, and a harrowing past dead and gone. But that past is attracting the attention of someone invisible…and unstoppable. Trouble’s just beginning. So is the body count in this backwoods Tennessee town.
As threats mount and Gwen’s hunted by an enemy who pulls all the strings, Kezia has her back. But working to solve these vicious and unreasonable crimes will expose them both to a killer they can’t for the life of them see coming.
Loved this kinda had to take a breath after Keiza finds those poor babies I even put it down for a few to just breathe. It was full of tension and I really liked that it was the two kick ass females taking the lead. I did want to shake Sam and say well that was a bit obvious mate!!! Really good ending! This is such a sad place to be knowing this was the last book Rachel Caine sent to be published and I can’t thank her enough for getting me through some hard times. Thank you..
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Wings of Stone ( The Dragons of Ascavar 1) in Books
Jul 16, 2023
94 of 235
Kindle
Wings of Stone ( The Dragons of Ascavar 1)
By J.D. Monroe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Doctor Gabrielle Rojas knows her Jane Doe patient shouldn’t heal this fast, or have a blood type that doesn’t exist. She also knows that Tarek, the sexy stranger who claims he’s her next of kin, is out of his damned mind.
But she can’t deny her own eyes when she watches him turn into a dragon and fly out the window with her patient. There’s no mistaking his gleaming scales and massive wings, and her day only gets weirder when he calls her to dig a couple of bullets out of his delicious backside.
Meddling in the affairs of dragons lands Gabrielle in a dungeon in the magical land of Ascavar, where dragons rule and magic burns bright.
With war on the horizon for his people, Tarek swears to take Gabrielle home to her safe, normal life. But her healing touch soothes his wounded heart, and he soon realizes that this is one promise he can’t keep.
As passion binds them together, both dragon and doctor must ask…can they ever go back?
I enjoy this a lot more than I expected to for the first quarter of the book I was a bit weary but I ended up really enjoying it. It was one of those reads that catches you by surprise. The story line was good, the characters were good and it had some grit. Definitely surprised me.
Kindle
Wings of Stone ( The Dragons of Ascavar 1)
By J.D. Monroe
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Doctor Gabrielle Rojas knows her Jane Doe patient shouldn’t heal this fast, or have a blood type that doesn’t exist. She also knows that Tarek, the sexy stranger who claims he’s her next of kin, is out of his damned mind.
But she can’t deny her own eyes when she watches him turn into a dragon and fly out the window with her patient. There’s no mistaking his gleaming scales and massive wings, and her day only gets weirder when he calls her to dig a couple of bullets out of his delicious backside.
Meddling in the affairs of dragons lands Gabrielle in a dungeon in the magical land of Ascavar, where dragons rule and magic burns bright.
With war on the horizon for his people, Tarek swears to take Gabrielle home to her safe, normal life. But her healing touch soothes his wounded heart, and he soon realizes that this is one promise he can’t keep.
As passion binds them together, both dragon and doctor must ask…can they ever go back?
I enjoy this a lot more than I expected to for the first quarter of the book I was a bit weary but I ended up really enjoying it. It was one of those reads that catches you by surprise. The story line was good, the characters were good and it had some grit. Definitely surprised me.
Lilyn G - Sci-Fi & Scary (91 KP) rated Lilac Skully and the Haunted House in Books
Feb 10, 2018
Lilac is a character you can't help but root for.
I don't often comment on covers, but I've got to start this by saying I love the cover for Lilac Skully and the Haunted House. The house is definitely suitably creepy, and the color choice for the sky is absolutely gorgeous. I did pick it up just to look at the cover more than once before it made it’s way to the top of my to-read pile. And at only 168 pages, when I finally did pick it up to read, it was a book that I flew through. Obviously it’ll take the intended age range a bit longer to read than it did for me, but I can’t imagine it being a slow go for anyone. It’s well-written and nicely paced. The story hits the ground running.
I liked Lilac Skully and the Haunted House. Lilac reminded, at least vaguely, of Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series. Not as crazy, mind you, but with the blonde hair, the big eyes, and the outcast status, it was hard for her not to feel a little familiar. This was a good thing, as it enabled me to immediately connect with the character a little more quickly than I might have normally. The fact that Lilac was scared of ghosts was perfect. Young readers will definitely be able to empathize with the little girl who does all the sensible things to avoid running into them. Who in their right mind would want to go into a haunted basement, right?
The set up is fairly typical of a kid’s book. A single parent family, with the father additionally and conveniently absent for the majority of the book. The adults that are in the picture for Lilac Skully and the Haunted House are bumbling, sometimes up to no good, and ridiculously easily fooled. Nothing new to see, but still entertaining to read. The formula works for a reason, even if we do celebrate times when things veer from the norm. In this case, it allowed Lilac to participate in some Home Alone-esque shenanigans that had me grinning.
It’s obvious the author has more adventures for Lilac Skully planned (seven, to be exact), and I think she will swiftly gain a loyal fanbase. Lilac Skully and the Haunted House was easy to read, and featured a little girl with a lot of heart. I enjoyed watching Lilac learn that appearances can be deceiving, and that sometimes the people you least expect can become your best friends.
Overall, a very good read for young readers who want something with ghosts, but not something ‘too scary’. Lilac Skully and the Haunted House worth picking up, and something you can let them read on their own, or read with you each evening.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for review consideration.
I liked Lilac Skully and the Haunted House. Lilac reminded, at least vaguely, of Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series. Not as crazy, mind you, but with the blonde hair, the big eyes, and the outcast status, it was hard for her not to feel a little familiar. This was a good thing, as it enabled me to immediately connect with the character a little more quickly than I might have normally. The fact that Lilac was scared of ghosts was perfect. Young readers will definitely be able to empathize with the little girl who does all the sensible things to avoid running into them. Who in their right mind would want to go into a haunted basement, right?
The set up is fairly typical of a kid’s book. A single parent family, with the father additionally and conveniently absent for the majority of the book. The adults that are in the picture for Lilac Skully and the Haunted House are bumbling, sometimes up to no good, and ridiculously easily fooled. Nothing new to see, but still entertaining to read. The formula works for a reason, even if we do celebrate times when things veer from the norm. In this case, it allowed Lilac to participate in some Home Alone-esque shenanigans that had me grinning.
It’s obvious the author has more adventures for Lilac Skully planned (seven, to be exact), and I think she will swiftly gain a loyal fanbase. Lilac Skully and the Haunted House was easy to read, and featured a little girl with a lot of heart. I enjoyed watching Lilac learn that appearances can be deceiving, and that sometimes the people you least expect can become your best friends.
Overall, a very good read for young readers who want something with ghosts, but not something ‘too scary’. Lilac Skully and the Haunted House worth picking up, and something you can let them read on their own, or read with you each evening.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for review consideration.
Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated Beautiful Beast in Books
Nov 30, 2018
bloody awesome read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
SO!!! Now I've come down a bit, I *might * be able to write a coherent review! Let's see, shall we?
Axis doesn't like to be confined, but needs must. He just needs a get away for a while, to get something to help him deal. Layna is on a mission to interrupt the supply of that *something* and Axis puts her in terrible danger. So, he saves her the only way he knows how, he takes her home, where the secrets have secrets and more secrets. Then Layna's headaches begin. And those secrets begin to unravel. And it is not gonna be a picnic!
It seems, (correct me if I'm wrong but I can't find anything else by this author) that this is Ms Knight's FIRST novel. And Lord if that IS the case, I so wanna be on the end of the next one!!
Because I loved this! Bloody LOVED it!
Yes, its very obviously a Beauty and the Beast kinda retell, but who cares?? Axis' beast is of a nature that doesn't become clear immediately, and I was left second guessing what kind of beast he was. Layna isn't such the good little girl she portrays, what with trying to blow up buildings and all. And deep down, she knows that something isn't quite right in the castle, with everyone whispering and keeping her out the way all day. She KNOWS what she is hearing is a pained animal, but why would there be an animal in the lower levels? And what calls to her from the wood.
When the whole story begins to unravel, when the secrets start to become clear, it moves fast!! You gotta pay attention, take in every little detail, because you will need it! I had to double back a couple of times, and it made me slow down to really concentrate. And if a book makes ME slow down, it's gotta be a good one!!
It's dark, Axis is in so much pain since The Making and he deals with how best he can. He knows what he is doing might well kill him, but he doesn't let the others know. He just deals with it. But Layna in his home, his bed, indeed, his HEART makes him want to not have to deal with it anymore, he wants it to go away. And if that means him giving up his life to free the others from his pain, Axis will do that.
It's sexy. Axis and Layna have instant and powerful attraction, and it isn't long before they are getting up close and personal. But it's Axis' giving control over to Layna that I particularly liked. I'm a sucker for an alpha male tied to the bed, I really am!
OH!!! It's just so good! So very bloody good!! Can't wait to see what Ms Knight comes up with next!
5 excellent stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
SO!!! Now I've come down a bit, I *might * be able to write a coherent review! Let's see, shall we?
Axis doesn't like to be confined, but needs must. He just needs a get away for a while, to get something to help him deal. Layna is on a mission to interrupt the supply of that *something* and Axis puts her in terrible danger. So, he saves her the only way he knows how, he takes her home, where the secrets have secrets and more secrets. Then Layna's headaches begin. And those secrets begin to unravel. And it is not gonna be a picnic!
It seems, (correct me if I'm wrong but I can't find anything else by this author) that this is Ms Knight's FIRST novel. And Lord if that IS the case, I so wanna be on the end of the next one!!
Because I loved this! Bloody LOVED it!
Yes, its very obviously a Beauty and the Beast kinda retell, but who cares?? Axis' beast is of a nature that doesn't become clear immediately, and I was left second guessing what kind of beast he was. Layna isn't such the good little girl she portrays, what with trying to blow up buildings and all. And deep down, she knows that something isn't quite right in the castle, with everyone whispering and keeping her out the way all day. She KNOWS what she is hearing is a pained animal, but why would there be an animal in the lower levels? And what calls to her from the wood.
When the whole story begins to unravel, when the secrets start to become clear, it moves fast!! You gotta pay attention, take in every little detail, because you will need it! I had to double back a couple of times, and it made me slow down to really concentrate. And if a book makes ME slow down, it's gotta be a good one!!
It's dark, Axis is in so much pain since The Making and he deals with how best he can. He knows what he is doing might well kill him, but he doesn't let the others know. He just deals with it. But Layna in his home, his bed, indeed, his HEART makes him want to not have to deal with it anymore, he wants it to go away. And if that means him giving up his life to free the others from his pain, Axis will do that.
It's sexy. Axis and Layna have instant and powerful attraction, and it isn't long before they are getting up close and personal. But it's Axis' giving control over to Layna that I particularly liked. I'm a sucker for an alpha male tied to the bed, I really am!
OH!!! It's just so good! So very bloody good!! Can't wait to see what Ms Knight comes up with next!
5 excellent stars!
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated Misdemeanor (Responsible Adult #1) in Books
Jul 6, 2021
cliff hanger but so bloody good!
I was gifted my copy of this book, direct from the author.
Micky is doing his best to keep his head above water. Looking after his disabled little brother, Flynn is top of that list. getting this new job will help a great deal. He just didn't plan on Danny, his boss. Danny is still suffering after a bad break up, but Micky is a breath of fresh air, even if the man has so many layers. Can they make it work?
Micky is trying, dammit, he really is! He lost his mum a few years ago, and his dad is absent and a deadbeat. Looking after Finn fell on to Micky cos Micky wants to keep Flynn close, to keep the two of them together. Flynn's special needs won't be easy for a stranger to deal with but Micky can, for the most part. But Micky is hurting, deep inside. He won't admit it, not to anyone, and certainly not to his best friend who is a career crook! But Danny? Danny picks at him, peels away his onion layers and digs deep til Micky really can't help himself.
The world though, is out to get Micky and he has to keep one step ahead of everyone trying to take Flynn away from him.
I loved this, bar one thing . . well maybe BECAUSE of this one thing I loved it, I'm still not sure yet!
Micky is not a bad person, he's just not made the best of choices up to now, but the job with Danny is step in the right direction. He tries HARD, he really does. Flynn is his world, but Danny sneaks in.
Danny is lovely, he knows Micky has his own stuff to deal with, but he will be there for Micky, should Micky need him. And I think Micky DOES need Danny, deeply. Micky might not admit to that fact, but Micky needs Danny, just as much as Flynn needs Micky. And I loved the pair of them, I really did!
That one thing?? Cliff hanger, baby, a massive cliff hanger that my poor kindle is lucky to have survived! Because this is NOT a complete story, no ma'am. This is the first in a trilogy! I didn't really pay attention to the other books, when I was asked if I wanted to read this one, just that THIS book sounded really good. Now, going forward, I will pay more attention, and maybe wait till I have all three parts in trilogies available to me, should I wish to read them!
I need book 2, like yesterday cos fooooooooooooooooooooooooooook me, these guys are gonna kill me, I'm sure, before they get to their Happy Ever After! Oh! Ms White, they DO get there, don't they?? Oh god I hope so!
Anyway!
Loved it!
5 full and slightly dented stars (cos they were flung across the room when I finished this!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Micky is doing his best to keep his head above water. Looking after his disabled little brother, Flynn is top of that list. getting this new job will help a great deal. He just didn't plan on Danny, his boss. Danny is still suffering after a bad break up, but Micky is a breath of fresh air, even if the man has so many layers. Can they make it work?
Micky is trying, dammit, he really is! He lost his mum a few years ago, and his dad is absent and a deadbeat. Looking after Finn fell on to Micky cos Micky wants to keep Flynn close, to keep the two of them together. Flynn's special needs won't be easy for a stranger to deal with but Micky can, for the most part. But Micky is hurting, deep inside. He won't admit it, not to anyone, and certainly not to his best friend who is a career crook! But Danny? Danny picks at him, peels away his onion layers and digs deep til Micky really can't help himself.
The world though, is out to get Micky and he has to keep one step ahead of everyone trying to take Flynn away from him.
I loved this, bar one thing . . well maybe BECAUSE of this one thing I loved it, I'm still not sure yet!
Micky is not a bad person, he's just not made the best of choices up to now, but the job with Danny is step in the right direction. He tries HARD, he really does. Flynn is his world, but Danny sneaks in.
Danny is lovely, he knows Micky has his own stuff to deal with, but he will be there for Micky, should Micky need him. And I think Micky DOES need Danny, deeply. Micky might not admit to that fact, but Micky needs Danny, just as much as Flynn needs Micky. And I loved the pair of them, I really did!
That one thing?? Cliff hanger, baby, a massive cliff hanger that my poor kindle is lucky to have survived! Because this is NOT a complete story, no ma'am. This is the first in a trilogy! I didn't really pay attention to the other books, when I was asked if I wanted to read this one, just that THIS book sounded really good. Now, going forward, I will pay more attention, and maybe wait till I have all three parts in trilogies available to me, should I wish to read them!
I need book 2, like yesterday cos fooooooooooooooooooooooooooook me, these guys are gonna kill me, I'm sure, before they get to their Happy Ever After! Oh! Ms White, they DO get there, don't they?? Oh god I hope so!
Anyway!
Loved it!
5 full and slightly dented stars (cos they were flung across the room when I finished this!)
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Debbiereadsbook (1788 KP) rated Markov (Tangled Tentacles #4) in Books
Oct 6, 2022
thoroughly enjoying this series!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book for in the Tangled Tentacles series, and you really do need to read the other three, Alexi, Victor and Todd, before you read this one. There is an on-going story arc that is not really fully recapped here.
The first three books were fab, great and I really loved and enjoyed them. While I did enjoy this one, though, I found it missing. . . .something!
When I sat down to write this, I knew something was off, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but now I'm here, I have had a bit of a light bulb moment and I will come back to it in a mo!
We knew Markov had issues with Cassius, and that they were mates and Cassius had rejected him, so poor Cassius was not seen in a good light up to this point. But when we find out just WHY Cassius did what he did, you fully understand. Markov does too, and that's the most important thing. Once Markov knows the full story, he lets Cassius in, and it really was wonderful to read, them getting to be open with their feelings for each other. How THAT all resolved itself was amazing though.
We find out more about the missing shifters and what's been happening to them. Markov got first-hand experience of that. It does something, though, to his kraken and the result is both amusing and powerful, and both Markov AND Cassius benefit from that.
The other brothers all take part, and we get a lead into what is the final book . . .maybe. . . in this series. Given what happens here, at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, makes me wonder! It's clear from previous books that Kelvin, the last brother, and the F-B-freaking-I-guy who has got him all a-fluster will get together, but I wonder why they didn't get that message before now!
Back to what I felt was missing, and it really did just hit me as I started to type! Markov is a kraken and Cassius is a Hammerhead shark. They do get their smexy times in the sea, but what I really missed, and I've no idea WHY I felt it should be here, but, book feelings, people, was there was no time in the pool at the bottom of the Thalassa building and I missed that! There were no beautiful descriptions of singing from the kraken either. Oh, don't get me, he gets himself HEARD loud and clear, in more ways than one, but in the other books, pool time involves kraken singing and I don't get that here.
Still a very good read, and I am thoroughly enjoying watching these brothers fall one by one. Can't wait for Kelvin and what's gonna happen there!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book for in the Tangled Tentacles series, and you really do need to read the other three, Alexi, Victor and Todd, before you read this one. There is an on-going story arc that is not really fully recapped here.
The first three books were fab, great and I really loved and enjoyed them. While I did enjoy this one, though, I found it missing. . . .something!
When I sat down to write this, I knew something was off, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but now I'm here, I have had a bit of a light bulb moment and I will come back to it in a mo!
We knew Markov had issues with Cassius, and that they were mates and Cassius had rejected him, so poor Cassius was not seen in a good light up to this point. But when we find out just WHY Cassius did what he did, you fully understand. Markov does too, and that's the most important thing. Once Markov knows the full story, he lets Cassius in, and it really was wonderful to read, them getting to be open with their feelings for each other. How THAT all resolved itself was amazing though.
We find out more about the missing shifters and what's been happening to them. Markov got first-hand experience of that. It does something, though, to his kraken and the result is both amusing and powerful, and both Markov AND Cassius benefit from that.
The other brothers all take part, and we get a lead into what is the final book . . .maybe. . . in this series. Given what happens here, at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, makes me wonder! It's clear from previous books that Kelvin, the last brother, and the F-B-freaking-I-guy who has got him all a-fluster will get together, but I wonder why they didn't get that message before now!
Back to what I felt was missing, and it really did just hit me as I started to type! Markov is a kraken and Cassius is a Hammerhead shark. They do get their smexy times in the sea, but what I really missed, and I've no idea WHY I felt it should be here, but, book feelings, people, was there was no time in the pool at the bottom of the Thalassa building and I missed that! There were no beautiful descriptions of singing from the kraken either. Oh, don't get me, he gets himself HEARD loud and clear, in more ways than one, but in the other books, pool time involves kraken singing and I don't get that here.
Still a very good read, and I am thoroughly enjoying watching these brothers fall one by one. Can't wait for Kelvin and what's gonna happen there!
4 very good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Darren (1599 KP) rated A Murder of Innocence (2019) in Movies
Jun 21, 2019
Story: A Murder of Innocence starts when new pastor Albert Anderson (Chiesurin), his wife Aimee (MacMillan) and six kids move to a new town to take over the local church, the community is very tight and the people are welcoming to new residents.
When a couple of the most-respected members of the neighbourhood are murdered, this puts panic in the community, with Aimee becoming paranoid for her own family’s safety, with Sheriff Kirk Tomlin (Steel) trying to solve the murders before everyone getting out of control pointing fingers at each other, Albert will face his toughest task, to bring the community back together in their time of need.
Thoughts on A Murder of Innocence
Characters – Albert is the new pastor in town, he does everything to make his town see he has come to do good for the religious neighbourhood, he will face a difficult couple of weeks after the murder of two members of his community, which will see the locals getting upset, scared and even with his wife dealing with these problems too. Aimee is the pastor’s wife, she is just as welcoming as he is, trying to make everybody feel comfortable with the new Pastor, after the murders, she does become paranoid, needing reassurance that they are safe. Sheriff Kirk Tomlin is left to try and solve the crime, he doesn’t have much to go on and doesn’t know if anyone in his neighbourhood could have done this. We do meet plenty of members of the community, each one that will have their own reason for suspecting somebody for the crime.
Performances – Rachel MacMillan and Frank Chiesurin both give us the strongest lead performances in the film, they bring real emotions that the real people would have gone through during the events of the film. the rest of the cast don’t hit the levels of the lead two, though Xander Steel does make big improvement through the film.
Story – The story here follows a religious community that are welcoming a new pastor, only to be left in shock after the murders of the respected member of the community. This causes panic with in the community until the murderer is captured, with on the Pastor to try and keep the people calm. This story does feel like it could be a made for television drama, because it does keep the themes on the softer side, without hitting the level of violence involved in the crime. We do have a religious undertone which will see a lot of praying going on, which is fine for the neighbourhood, but we don’t need to see this happening this often. The crime investigation never feels as intense as it should be though.
Crime – The crime is a horrible double homicide, seeing how people react to this is the important part of the story.
Settings – The small community created here shows us how close everybody is and will be when it comes to getting to make sure they are safe within their own homes.
Scene of the Movie – Welcoming the Pastor to the church.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Sheriff Kirk reading a statement, which comes off like a draft reading, over any acting.
Final Thoughts – This is an interesting real-crime drama, based on a real events and the effect it had on the neighbourhood. It doesn’t ever hit any levels of intensity, but is more about showing the people coming together.
Overall: Real-Life Crime Drama.
https://moviesreview101.com/2019/06/19/a-murder-of-innocence-2019/
When a couple of the most-respected members of the neighbourhood are murdered, this puts panic in the community, with Aimee becoming paranoid for her own family’s safety, with Sheriff Kirk Tomlin (Steel) trying to solve the murders before everyone getting out of control pointing fingers at each other, Albert will face his toughest task, to bring the community back together in their time of need.
Thoughts on A Murder of Innocence
Characters – Albert is the new pastor in town, he does everything to make his town see he has come to do good for the religious neighbourhood, he will face a difficult couple of weeks after the murder of two members of his community, which will see the locals getting upset, scared and even with his wife dealing with these problems too. Aimee is the pastor’s wife, she is just as welcoming as he is, trying to make everybody feel comfortable with the new Pastor, after the murders, she does become paranoid, needing reassurance that they are safe. Sheriff Kirk Tomlin is left to try and solve the crime, he doesn’t have much to go on and doesn’t know if anyone in his neighbourhood could have done this. We do meet plenty of members of the community, each one that will have their own reason for suspecting somebody for the crime.
Performances – Rachel MacMillan and Frank Chiesurin both give us the strongest lead performances in the film, they bring real emotions that the real people would have gone through during the events of the film. the rest of the cast don’t hit the levels of the lead two, though Xander Steel does make big improvement through the film.
Story – The story here follows a religious community that are welcoming a new pastor, only to be left in shock after the murders of the respected member of the community. This causes panic with in the community until the murderer is captured, with on the Pastor to try and keep the people calm. This story does feel like it could be a made for television drama, because it does keep the themes on the softer side, without hitting the level of violence involved in the crime. We do have a religious undertone which will see a lot of praying going on, which is fine for the neighbourhood, but we don’t need to see this happening this often. The crime investigation never feels as intense as it should be though.
Crime – The crime is a horrible double homicide, seeing how people react to this is the important part of the story.
Settings – The small community created here shows us how close everybody is and will be when it comes to getting to make sure they are safe within their own homes.
Scene of the Movie – Welcoming the Pastor to the church.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Sheriff Kirk reading a statement, which comes off like a draft reading, over any acting.
Final Thoughts – This is an interesting real-crime drama, based on a real events and the effect it had on the neighbourhood. It doesn’t ever hit any levels of intensity, but is more about showing the people coming together.
Overall: Real-Life Crime Drama.
https://moviesreview101.com/2019/06/19/a-murder-of-innocence-2019/
Darren (1599 KP) rated Toy Story 4 (2019) in Movies
Jun 22, 2019
Thoughts on Toy Story 4
Characters – Woody is struggling with not being in control of the room anymore, he still wants to help make Bonnie happy, which sees him acting selfishly, he does try to fix his own mistakes which will see him facing a second chance, meeting an old friend and distancing himself from his current friends. Woody is the key figure in this film, this is very much his story. Forky is the newly created toy out of a spork and is learning everything as it unfolds even though he believes he is trash. Buzz Lightyear is trying to step up when Woody goes off, he does feel like a bigger idiot than we are used to, using his voice commands to help him, which seems like a huge step back on his character. Bo Peep coming back to the franchise is fun, she shows Woody a new life away from kids, where she helps toys, she is Woody’s big love in life too, kick ass fighter too. Gabby Gabby is an older toy like Woody, she has been damaged and is searching for something to hope she can be taken home one day, she is painted as the villain, though she is the weakest villain in the franchise. Duke Caboom is the best addition to the film a stuntman that has failed as a toy, he is always up for trying something new and is filled with confidence.
Story – The story here follows Woody trying to find himself a place in the world after becoming a smaller part in the life of his new owner Bonnie, he gets too involved and spends most of the story trying to make up for his mistake of letting Bonnie create a new toy, caught in the middle saving the day or breaking free. Now this is the 4th part of the franchise which did tie up nicely after the third one. The supporting characters do take a big back burner in the story which even sees Buzz getting less screen time, this is a full Woody story trying to figure out where his life is going on next. We do try to play on the heart strings, though it just doesn’t get to the levels it could have and has been there before. The new characters to bring the bright spark to the story, but we do end up going down the road, where this is becoming too unbelievable that these toys are acting like this.
Adventure/Comedy – The adventure side of this film comes from the idea that Woody will need to go on a new adventure to save Forky, only to see Buzz on his own adventure which does cross paths with Woody, only his feels like a simple side to everything. the comedy from the new characters hits very well, its just old character seem to fall short.
Settings – Having the film use an Antique story is great idea because we get to see known toys that could add comedy in places, the carnival also adds potential new characters too.
Animation – The animation is Pixar at its very best, it looks perfect like we know they are used to bring us, bringing us larger scale environment to everything going on.
Scene of the Movie – Duke Caboom.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Buzz seems to be dumber.
Final Thoughts – This does end up feeling like a cash grab sequel, it doesn’t have the heart the previous films do and fails to use the original characters well enough.
Overall: By the book sequel.
Characters – Woody is struggling with not being in control of the room anymore, he still wants to help make Bonnie happy, which sees him acting selfishly, he does try to fix his own mistakes which will see him facing a second chance, meeting an old friend and distancing himself from his current friends. Woody is the key figure in this film, this is very much his story. Forky is the newly created toy out of a spork and is learning everything as it unfolds even though he believes he is trash. Buzz Lightyear is trying to step up when Woody goes off, he does feel like a bigger idiot than we are used to, using his voice commands to help him, which seems like a huge step back on his character. Bo Peep coming back to the franchise is fun, she shows Woody a new life away from kids, where she helps toys, she is Woody’s big love in life too, kick ass fighter too. Gabby Gabby is an older toy like Woody, she has been damaged and is searching for something to hope she can be taken home one day, she is painted as the villain, though she is the weakest villain in the franchise. Duke Caboom is the best addition to the film a stuntman that has failed as a toy, he is always up for trying something new and is filled with confidence.
Story – The story here follows Woody trying to find himself a place in the world after becoming a smaller part in the life of his new owner Bonnie, he gets too involved and spends most of the story trying to make up for his mistake of letting Bonnie create a new toy, caught in the middle saving the day or breaking free. Now this is the 4th part of the franchise which did tie up nicely after the third one. The supporting characters do take a big back burner in the story which even sees Buzz getting less screen time, this is a full Woody story trying to figure out where his life is going on next. We do try to play on the heart strings, though it just doesn’t get to the levels it could have and has been there before. The new characters to bring the bright spark to the story, but we do end up going down the road, where this is becoming too unbelievable that these toys are acting like this.
Adventure/Comedy – The adventure side of this film comes from the idea that Woody will need to go on a new adventure to save Forky, only to see Buzz on his own adventure which does cross paths with Woody, only his feels like a simple side to everything. the comedy from the new characters hits very well, its just old character seem to fall short.
Settings – Having the film use an Antique story is great idea because we get to see known toys that could add comedy in places, the carnival also adds potential new characters too.
Animation – The animation is Pixar at its very best, it looks perfect like we know they are used to bring us, bringing us larger scale environment to everything going on.
Scene of the Movie – Duke Caboom.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – Buzz seems to be dumber.
Final Thoughts – This does end up feeling like a cash grab sequel, it doesn’t have the heart the previous films do and fails to use the original characters well enough.
Overall: By the book sequel.