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Rachel King (13 KP) rated The Season in Books
Feb 11, 2019
Most of the main characters had traits that separated their personality from one another, but I had trouble distinguishing between Alex's three brothers, as they all seemed to behave alike. The plot seemed to falter everytime there was a journal entry by the antagonist, especially since what would happen in the plot following them didn't usually match up with what was in the journal entry. All of the loose threads were accounted for in the end, though. The book came to me classified as a mystery, but I found that aspect of the text to be lacking most of the time, especially when focusing on the romance part of the text. I'm not usually a fan of mysteries, but the mystery of Gavin's father's death really seems to take a backseat to the budding romance between Gavin and Alex. The text claimed to fall in the year 1815, and there were lots of little details that made the text seem authentic, such as the three young women discussing the works of Jane Austen while identifying her as an anonymous author, the proper clothing attire for both men and women, and the proper decorum of both as well. Alex did seem to break with decorum a questionable number of times, but I'll attribute that to her personality and not a fault in background. While it's not likely I would have picked this particular book off the shelf if it were not for a recommendation, I have read similar works in the genre of historical romance for adults, and I have plans to read more of this genre in the future. I did enjoy this book and I would rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated The Hawaiian Discovery in Books
Feb 25, 2019
Oh,my dear Amish loving friends, you will not want to miss this book! It is the follow up book to The Hawaiian Quilt (find my review featured here), and let me tell you right now. You do not want to miss this! The queen of Amish fiction has once again managed to take amazing and lovable characters, inspiring messages from God, and a few twists and wrapped them up with the beauty that is Hawaii and threw her fans another fabulous novel! Ms. Brunstetter and her daughter-in-law, Jean, really do a wonderful collaboration together. They know just what we like!
This novel brings us Ellen's story. I loved Ellen in book 1, and I love her even more in this new novel. She's spunky, caring and definitely works her way into your heart. She returns to Hawaii to help Mandy and she meets Rob, another lovable addition to this book! I loved watching them work along side of each other. The sparks really flew between them! Ultimately, though, God's messages worked on Ellen's heart and she had a decision to make.
You definitely need to grab this 5 star novel! Just make sure you read The Hawaiian Quilt first because you'll want to keep up with Mandy and Ellen's first adventure to Hawaii. From discovering what really matters, to God's love, grace and forgiveness, this book is one that should fly to the top of your summer reading list. Grab it now! Hats off, two more thumbs up and highest of praises go to the Brunstetter ladies for another amazing novel!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
This novel brings us Ellen's story. I loved Ellen in book 1, and I love her even more in this new novel. She's spunky, caring and definitely works her way into your heart. She returns to Hawaii to help Mandy and she meets Rob, another lovable addition to this book! I loved watching them work along side of each other. The sparks really flew between them! Ultimately, though, God's messages worked on Ellen's heart and she had a decision to make.
You definitely need to grab this 5 star novel! Just make sure you read The Hawaiian Quilt first because you'll want to keep up with Mandy and Ellen's first adventure to Hawaii. From discovering what really matters, to God's love, grace and forgiveness, this book is one that should fly to the top of your summer reading list. Grab it now! Hats off, two more thumbs up and highest of praises go to the Brunstetter ladies for another amazing novel!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Barundar (12 KP) rated Avengers: Endgame (2019) in Movies
Apr 27, 2019
Story (2 more)
Ending
Effects
Endgame No Spoiler Review!
The Epic ending to last year's Infinity War was all you could hope it to be. Not only did this film have to wrap up the devastating cliffhanger we were left hanging on after the 'snap', it also had to tie up all the character arcs the MCU has built so far for the original Avengers. Somehow this film delivers it all!
The three hour run time may seem daunting to some, but to those who have invested in the last 21 films it's just right. Each character has their moments and the film is filled with the usual MCU humor and action.
The first two hours move at a steady pace, fleshing out the characters and story while building up to the third hour and final act. The ending, as expected, was beyond epic and highly satisfying in every way. The story doesn't drag during the three hours, nor is it straight action. In between we get plenty of 'fan moments' that are just perfect and well earned after all these films.
There is a lot to take in with three hours of story. You may need to see it again as you are sure to be blown away by something you may miss something else. Some moments need to be seen again and at some point you may need a critical bathroom break too.
The film does not have any after credit scenes only a 'sound' at the very end. It's enjoyable for the casual MCU fan to the die-hard fan, having seen Infinity War being a prerequisite in my opinion.
Avengers: Endgame is PG-13, so as far as little ones seeing it, if they could handle Infinity War they can handle this.
This is a must see for any MCU fan and an A+ from me.
The three hour run time may seem daunting to some, but to those who have invested in the last 21 films it's just right. Each character has their moments and the film is filled with the usual MCU humor and action.
The first two hours move at a steady pace, fleshing out the characters and story while building up to the third hour and final act. The ending, as expected, was beyond epic and highly satisfying in every way. The story doesn't drag during the three hours, nor is it straight action. In between we get plenty of 'fan moments' that are just perfect and well earned after all these films.
There is a lot to take in with three hours of story. You may need to see it again as you are sure to be blown away by something you may miss something else. Some moments need to be seen again and at some point you may need a critical bathroom break too.
The film does not have any after credit scenes only a 'sound' at the very end. It's enjoyable for the casual MCU fan to the die-hard fan, having seen Infinity War being a prerequisite in my opinion.
Avengers: Endgame is PG-13, so as far as little ones seeing it, if they could handle Infinity War they can handle this.
This is a must see for any MCU fan and an A+ from me.
Jon Hansen (9 KP) rated Magic Rush: Heroes in Apps
May 2, 2019
Boring (3 more)
Gacha (random character drawing)
Throttled progress
Free to play, pay to progress: Hostageware
The latest in a long line of soulless Gacha
This game gets a solid C for effort. An RPG with occasionally tower defense elements is okay in concept, but this implimentation is sure to leave you feeling hungry for more. As in, more of some other game. Because let me be clear there's nothing satisfying here to playing this game. Take a look at the central gameplay mechanics:
- Energy system arbitrarily keeps you from playong the game at a pace necessary to actually enjoy it (oh, of course, you can insert a quarter in the form of $5 % to keep playing for another twenty seconds)
- hero draw mechanic makes sure that you have no control over what champions you have and whether they're good or not, leaving zero room for customization
- Standard Battles amount to little more than an Idle clicker.
- Alliances encourage you to team up with people you don't know and don't and won't ever care about to do nothing
- weak and meaningless pvp battles because they're still just the aforementioned idle clicker
- re-raid previously completed maps for junk to progress! This of course costs money, and with its poor interface it is left taking days longer than it needs to. But hey, for those of us who like farming but not gameplay, I guess it makes sense.
- constant ads and offers for bundles that cost your life savings and do nothing
- ...and much, much more, ensuring the game is 4x as generic as every other game on the entire app store. 2 stars for good (read:non-buggy) implimentation of this cash grab street beggar simulator.
- Energy system arbitrarily keeps you from playong the game at a pace necessary to actually enjoy it (oh, of course, you can insert a quarter in the form of $5 % to keep playing for another twenty seconds)
- hero draw mechanic makes sure that you have no control over what champions you have and whether they're good or not, leaving zero room for customization
- Standard Battles amount to little more than an Idle clicker.
- Alliances encourage you to team up with people you don't know and don't and won't ever care about to do nothing
- weak and meaningless pvp battles because they're still just the aforementioned idle clicker
- re-raid previously completed maps for junk to progress! This of course costs money, and with its poor interface it is left taking days longer than it needs to. But hey, for those of us who like farming but not gameplay, I guess it makes sense.
- constant ads and offers for bundles that cost your life savings and do nothing
- ...and much, much more, ensuring the game is 4x as generic as every other game on the entire app store. 2 stars for good (read:non-buggy) implimentation of this cash grab street beggar simulator.
StarWorld
By: Audrey Coulthurst and Paula Garner
Candlewick Press
Teens and YA
Pub Date 16 April 2019
352 pages
#Starworld #NetGalley
<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/23cda8f5b390052c84bafb486921760c8733c9f5"; width="80" height="80" alt="10 Book Reviews" title="10 Book Reviews"/>
<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/9a41056d7201c045d3f9e5c161f9569494687ae1"; width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>
Even though this book took me awhile to read I really enjoyed it. It isn't the books fault for the amount of time I took to read it but family and activities that were happening. This book is already out and I highly recommend that you read this book.
At first I thought this book would be about space and wasn't sure about it but I was pleasantly surprised. This book is about a made up world called Starworld. This is a made up world that two teenage girls go to in text messages back and forth to take them away from their problems.
The girls names are Zoe and Sam. Zoe is adopted with a mom who has cancer and is in partial remission and a younger brother who has special needs. Sam is a girl who likes girls. Her parents are divorced and her Mom has a severe of OCD and Dad lives in London. Sam likes Zoe as more than a friend and Zoe only likes Sam as a friend. This book was hard to put down. I love the world they created and the way they interacted both on the phone and in real life together.
Sam and Zoe get along great and have some wonderful times together and things happen which make them look at themselves and to make their lives better.
By: Audrey Coulthurst and Paula Garner
Candlewick Press
Teens and YA
Pub Date 16 April 2019
352 pages
#Starworld #NetGalley
<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/23cda8f5b390052c84bafb486921760c8733c9f5"; width="80" height="80" alt="10 Book Reviews" title="10 Book Reviews"/>
<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/9a41056d7201c045d3f9e5c161f9569494687ae1"; width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>
Even though this book took me awhile to read I really enjoyed it. It isn't the books fault for the amount of time I took to read it but family and activities that were happening. This book is already out and I highly recommend that you read this book.
At first I thought this book would be about space and wasn't sure about it but I was pleasantly surprised. This book is about a made up world called Starworld. This is a made up world that two teenage girls go to in text messages back and forth to take them away from their problems.
The girls names are Zoe and Sam. Zoe is adopted with a mom who has cancer and is in partial remission and a younger brother who has special needs. Sam is a girl who likes girls. Her parents are divorced and her Mom has a severe of OCD and Dad lives in London. Sam likes Zoe as more than a friend and Zoe only likes Sam as a friend. This book was hard to put down. I love the world they created and the way they interacted both on the phone and in real life together.
Sam and Zoe get along great and have some wonderful times together and things happen which make them look at themselves and to make their lives better.
BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated Big Little Lies in Books
May 14, 2019
Throughally enjoyed it
Big Little Lies is a story about three different women who are each at a crossroad in their lives! Madeline (#1) remembers everything and forgives noone, when her ex husband and his new wife move into her community Madeline realizes her daughter will be in the same class as her ex husbands other daughter, and to top it all off Madeline’s daughter seems more interested in her dads and his new wife’s life than her mums. Celeste (#2) is a beautiful women and her twin boys will also be starting school, but Celeste has her eyes set on becoming the queen of the school parent body, but that comes at a price and not easily! Jane (#3) is a young single mother new to the town but is harboring secret doubts about her son. Madeline and Celeste take Jane under their wing, but none of them expected that Jane’s arrival will affect them all individually. If you want to find out what happens I would highly recommend you read this to find out for yourself, if you have not already!
I awarded five stars to this book as Liane Moriarty has done it again! She has written another outstanding story for all us readers to indulge in. This is the perfect book for those who enjoy contemporary, chick-lit, mystery and would make an excellent read to discuss if you are part of a book club. I really did enjoy this story, it is an easy to read, fast paced page turner perfect for everyone. I must admit this story did not stick with me afterwards but I devoured it and loved it nevertheless. Get stuck into this chick-lit, drama filled book and forget your own life for a while. Enjoy.
I awarded five stars to this book as Liane Moriarty has done it again! She has written another outstanding story for all us readers to indulge in. This is the perfect book for those who enjoy contemporary, chick-lit, mystery and would make an excellent read to discuss if you are part of a book club. I really did enjoy this story, it is an easy to read, fast paced page turner perfect for everyone. I must admit this story did not stick with me afterwards but I devoured it and loved it nevertheless. Get stuck into this chick-lit, drama filled book and forget your own life for a while. Enjoy.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Little (2019) in Movies
May 17, 2019
Just a Few Tweaks and I Would Have Loved it
When April’s (Issa Rae) boss gets turned into a child by a curse, April has to hold down the fort at work while trying to figure out a way to reverse the curse. It’s not a great movie that will leave a long impression, but I can definitely say that I liked it a whole lot more than I expected to.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 7
The movie begins with the audience getting a view into the lives of April and her boss Jordan Sanders (Regina Hall). It’s a little formulaic as you can tell it’s solely for the purpose of introducing the characters, but still manages to be enough to jumpstart the movie. It was enough to get me laughing and looking forward for more.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 6
Conflict: 6
Genre: 5
Memorability: 7
Pace: 8
While not the end of the world, I think the movie suffered from being longer than it needed to be. The pacing was scattered at times and could have been managed by tightening the story. The comedic moments were enough for the most to part to mask the pacing shortcomings.
Plot: 7
Twists? Turns? You won’t find any of that here. The story is as linear as they come. Still, the ride you are taken on just happens to be a fun one so it’s pretty forgivable. Just don’t expect to say, “Didn’t see that coming” at any point.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 76
You could do worse this year than checking out Little. Some won’t like it while others, like myself, will take its entertainment value for what it is. Had the story been a little more inventive, I might be singing a different tune.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 7
The movie begins with the audience getting a view into the lives of April and her boss Jordan Sanders (Regina Hall). It’s a little formulaic as you can tell it’s solely for the purpose of introducing the characters, but still manages to be enough to jumpstart the movie. It was enough to get me laughing and looking forward for more.
Characters: 10
Cinematography/Visuals: 6
Conflict: 6
Genre: 5
Memorability: 7
Pace: 8
While not the end of the world, I think the movie suffered from being longer than it needed to be. The pacing was scattered at times and could have been managed by tightening the story. The comedic moments were enough for the most to part to mask the pacing shortcomings.
Plot: 7
Twists? Turns? You won’t find any of that here. The story is as linear as they come. Still, the ride you are taken on just happens to be a fun one so it’s pretty forgivable. Just don’t expect to say, “Didn’t see that coming” at any point.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 76
You could do worse this year than checking out Little. Some won’t like it while others, like myself, will take its entertainment value for what it is. Had the story been a little more inventive, I might be singing a different tune.
Dana (24 KP) rated The Scorpio Races in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This book had a really cool concept. I was sent this book by the publisher (though I am still not sure why, but I will take it because I love books) and I decided to read it sooner rather than later. I was not disappointed.
I love Maggie Stiefvater's works. The writing is always so magical and beautiful and I just can't get enough of it! After reading all of the Raven Boys books last year, I wanted something else of hers to read, and this came up into my hands like a magical fairy.
Okay, that was kinda weird, but oh well.
Now, onto the plot! I loved the whole concept of these magical sea horses and people trying to tame, train, and race them. I loved the killer aspect of it, it added so much tension and drama to the book. Though it did get a bit slow at parts, I think those slow parts added to the heightened emotions of the quicker movements in the plot. This book, honestly, made me want to go horseback riding on some beach and run off into the sunset with a beautiful boy who loves dangerous horses.
The characters were super cool! I loved how different everyone was and how we did not know all of the hidden motivations for every one of them. It was a nice treat to have the romance in there, but I liked that it was not at the forefront of the novel. This was about a girl and a boy who were both doing all they could to get what they needed to survive.
Overall, I really liked this book and, although I know it is a standalone, I could totally go for another book set in this world.
I love Maggie Stiefvater's works. The writing is always so magical and beautiful and I just can't get enough of it! After reading all of the Raven Boys books last year, I wanted something else of hers to read, and this came up into my hands like a magical fairy.
Okay, that was kinda weird, but oh well.
Now, onto the plot! I loved the whole concept of these magical sea horses and people trying to tame, train, and race them. I loved the killer aspect of it, it added so much tension and drama to the book. Though it did get a bit slow at parts, I think those slow parts added to the heightened emotions of the quicker movements in the plot. This book, honestly, made me want to go horseback riding on some beach and run off into the sunset with a beautiful boy who loves dangerous horses.
The characters were super cool! I loved how different everyone was and how we did not know all of the hidden motivations for every one of them. It was a nice treat to have the romance in there, but I liked that it was not at the forefront of the novel. This was about a girl and a boy who were both doing all they could to get what they needed to survive.
Overall, I really liked this book and, although I know it is a standalone, I could totally go for another book set in this world.
Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club in Books
Jul 12, 2018
Everything Begins and Ends at the Kentucky Club by Benjamin Alire Śenz was a recommended to me by a dear friend. It definitely was an experience.
This book is filled with short stories that take place at the Kentucky Club which is located in Júrez. Each story takes you through the life of someone that is experiences a hardship. The hardships are real, and the stories written between these pages can tug on your heart strings.
I will admit, I had a hard time relating to some of these stories. I found that a lot of the stories in this book were of situations that I had no experience with. I have never questioned my sexuality, nor have I had to deal with death or living in a rough part of town so I had a pretty hard time relating to the characters. With that said, it was fascinating to try to relate to the characters. I wanted to know what they were experiencing and I wanted to be able to relate in some way.
I also had a hard time reading this novel because of the writing. I'm not a huge fan of novels that constantly start their sentences with pronouns. When reading a book I tend to like when the author starts sentences with other words and not just "he, she, it, or the person's name." When I see this happen, I tend to become disconnected with the story.
Ultimately, I give this book 3 cups of coffee due to the fact that I wish that I felt more connected with the characters. It was a good book, but I found it hard to relate with the characters.
This book is filled with short stories that take place at the Kentucky Club which is located in Júrez. Each story takes you through the life of someone that is experiences a hardship. The hardships are real, and the stories written between these pages can tug on your heart strings.
I will admit, I had a hard time relating to some of these stories. I found that a lot of the stories in this book were of situations that I had no experience with. I have never questioned my sexuality, nor have I had to deal with death or living in a rough part of town so I had a pretty hard time relating to the characters. With that said, it was fascinating to try to relate to the characters. I wanted to know what they were experiencing and I wanted to be able to relate in some way.
I also had a hard time reading this novel because of the writing. I'm not a huge fan of novels that constantly start their sentences with pronouns. When reading a book I tend to like when the author starts sentences with other words and not just "he, she, it, or the person's name." When I see this happen, I tend to become disconnected with the story.
Ultimately, I give this book 3 cups of coffee due to the fact that I wish that I felt more connected with the characters. It was a good book, but I found it hard to relate with the characters.
Marylegs (44 KP) rated No Man Can Tame (The Dark-Elves of Nightbloom, #1) in Books
Aug 14, 2019
So, I have been in a bit of a book slump this year. I work hard. I have a two year old. I just don't have the time or the brain power for the types of books I used to read. 800 page epic novels are just too taxing on my time presently. Until I have the time like I use to, I want instant gratification from the books I read.
Now when I say this book is trash, I don't mean the story is rubbish. Far from it I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. What I mean is it isn't 'high' fiction, its probably not going to win any awards. What is is though, is a simple to read, quick paced, sexy book. I am not going to drag out descriptions about the characters and any flaws they may have had in character development (there were some, if I am to be anyway critical). I have read much much much worse books by 'high quality' authors. This was at it's simplest form a book that I have enjoyed reading. I enjoyed it so much that i will most likely read any future novels.
I also feel like it actually wouldn't take too much for this story to actually become 'high' fiction. but when a book it this short there is only so much character and world building that can be done. If it were ever re-edited to be expanded, would I read it again.... yes. The skeleton of the story is very good. but it is at present definitely a book written to get as quick as it can to the juicy (sexy) parts. some good shameless smut is included. So if you aren't into that, this is not the book for you.
This book well and truly got me out of my reading slump.
Now when I say this book is trash, I don't mean the story is rubbish. Far from it I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. What I mean is it isn't 'high' fiction, its probably not going to win any awards. What is is though, is a simple to read, quick paced, sexy book. I am not going to drag out descriptions about the characters and any flaws they may have had in character development (there were some, if I am to be anyway critical). I have read much much much worse books by 'high quality' authors. This was at it's simplest form a book that I have enjoyed reading. I enjoyed it so much that i will most likely read any future novels.
I also feel like it actually wouldn't take too much for this story to actually become 'high' fiction. but when a book it this short there is only so much character and world building that can be done. If it were ever re-edited to be expanded, would I read it again.... yes. The skeleton of the story is very good. but it is at present definitely a book written to get as quick as it can to the juicy (sexy) parts. some good shameless smut is included. So if you aren't into that, this is not the book for you.
This book well and truly got me out of my reading slump.