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Ross (3284 KP) rated Black Mirror - Season 1 in TV
Jan 8, 2018
These three near-future / alternative reality episodes tell of a different chilling aspect of human life. All are fantastical, though worryingly plausible. Charlie Brooker has pretty much nailed the line between believable and speculative fiction.
The first episode sees the UK prime minister forced into considering an unpleasant act after a ransom demand from a kidnapper. It serves as a good representation of media coverage and their involvement in spreading panic and stoking outrage.
The next episode was a near-future look at a world where some classes of people spend their days on exercise bikes, presumably powering society. They are forced to watch endless hours of a small number of TV shows and are charged a fee to skip pop-up adverts for porn shows. The indictment of where society is headed, including the disposability of talent shows and how much more mandatory watching adverts could become, felt like something of a warning to turn back now!
The final episode revolved around people having the ability to instantaneously rewind and re-view moments of their lives and cast it to TV screens. The story looks at how this plays a part in a man's suspicions over his wife's faithfulness to their marriage. Similar to the previous 2 episodes, it shows that the technology, and people's reliance on it, does not help real life in any way, rather it further fuels suspicion and malcontent.
Three stories about the way the human race is headed told brilliantly.
The first episode sees the UK prime minister forced into considering an unpleasant act after a ransom demand from a kidnapper. It serves as a good representation of media coverage and their involvement in spreading panic and stoking outrage.
The next episode was a near-future look at a world where some classes of people spend their days on exercise bikes, presumably powering society. They are forced to watch endless hours of a small number of TV shows and are charged a fee to skip pop-up adverts for porn shows. The indictment of where society is headed, including the disposability of talent shows and how much more mandatory watching adverts could become, felt like something of a warning to turn back now!
The final episode revolved around people having the ability to instantaneously rewind and re-view moments of their lives and cast it to TV screens. The story looks at how this plays a part in a man's suspicions over his wife's faithfulness to their marriage. Similar to the previous 2 episodes, it shows that the technology, and people's reliance on it, does not help real life in any way, rather it further fuels suspicion and malcontent.
Three stories about the way the human race is headed told brilliantly.
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Jupiter's Shadow (Smoky Mountain Wolves #1) in Books
Jun 22, 2017
Jupiter's Shadow (Smoky Mountain Wolves #1) by TL Reeve
Jupiter's Shadow is the first book in the Smoky Mountain Wolves series, and if this one is anything to go by, this series is going to be brilliant!
We start off with Jupiter having her thirty-second birthday. Her dad takes the opportunity to tell his daughter - and the rest of the pack - that Jupiter now has five potential mates to choose from, and a month in which to do it. Although pretty 'miffed' to start with, Jupiter soon realises that they all have bigger problems to deal with.
This is an excellent start to the series, and I look forward to the fleshing out of the world, pack politics, and jobs, that usually follows on. With each book you tend to learn a bit more about the world, which in turn draws you in more as a series progresses. Each of the five men have very distinct personalities, which made it easy to remember which one was which when you were reading.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more, both in this series and also by TL Reeve. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
We start off with Jupiter having her thirty-second birthday. Her dad takes the opportunity to tell his daughter - and the rest of the pack - that Jupiter now has five potential mates to choose from, and a month in which to do it. Although pretty 'miffed' to start with, Jupiter soon realises that they all have bigger problems to deal with.
This is an excellent start to the series, and I look forward to the fleshing out of the world, pack politics, and jobs, that usually follows on. With each book you tend to learn a bit more about the world, which in turn draws you in more as a series progresses. Each of the five men have very distinct personalities, which made it easy to remember which one was which when you were reading.
Very well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more, both in this series and also by TL Reeve. Definitely recommended by me.
* 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!
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Restoring Love in Books
Feb 27, 2019
My Thoughts:
Let me get myself together for a moment. *Deep breaths*. Ok. There,that's better. Where was I? Oh yes. I was going to tell you my thoughts on this book. This is my first Jennifer Slattery book. It most certainly will not be my last. It's like this book is speaking to me. It's a book on second chances, on honesty, on restoring faith and hope. That's what this book did to me now, after recent troubles in my life.
Through the characters, both good ones and bad, I fell in love with this book. Their stories showed me that if I believe, if I have faith, my heart will be restored. Leaning on God and understanding that it's all in His time, His will, love can be restored no matter what. Letting go, forgiveness, and acceptance make up wonderful pages of this book. The characters blended perfectly with the plot line and captivated me, heart and soul.
Ms. Slattery's book is deserving of no less than 5 stars. If I could give it 5,000 stars I would. I highly recommend that you grab this book, devour it and feel the feels that I felt in this book. You won't be sorry when you do. I can't wait to read another amazing book by her talented hands. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-restoring-love-jennifer-slatterly/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Let me get myself together for a moment. *Deep breaths*. Ok. There,that's better. Where was I? Oh yes. I was going to tell you my thoughts on this book. This is my first Jennifer Slattery book. It most certainly will not be my last. It's like this book is speaking to me. It's a book on second chances, on honesty, on restoring faith and hope. That's what this book did to me now, after recent troubles in my life.
Through the characters, both good ones and bad, I fell in love with this book. Their stories showed me that if I believe, if I have faith, my heart will be restored. Leaning on God and understanding that it's all in His time, His will, love can be restored no matter what. Letting go, forgiveness, and acceptance make up wonderful pages of this book. The characters blended perfectly with the plot line and captivated me, heart and soul.
Ms. Slattery's book is deserving of no less than 5 stars. If I could give it 5,000 stars I would. I highly recommend that you grab this book, devour it and feel the feels that I felt in this book. You won't be sorry when you do. I can't wait to read another amazing book by her talented hands. <a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/review-restoring-love-jennifer-slatterly/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Promise in Books
Feb 28, 2019 (Updated Mar 1, 2019)
More of a slow building suspense novel then a psychological thriller.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
I was intrigued as soon as I read the opening of The Promise by Teresa Driscoll. The story has a few twists and turns but, based on the book's description and opening, I expected it to be much darker than it is. However, although I enjoyed the novel, I would not consider it to be dark. It is more of a slow building suspense novel then a psychological thriller.
Three girls, Beth, Sally, and Carol, were best friends at a boarding school and as close as sisters. Something happens and they make a promise to never tell the secret of what happened.
Years later, all of them have been affected by the secret in different ways. Beth and Sally are still close friends but Carol has become estranged. When they find out the boarding school is to be sold and demolished, fearing their secret will be revealed, Beth and Sally attempt to find Carol..
Driscoll wanted to establish a intense connection between the girls but did not want to make them sisters. The setting helps you to understand why the girls would keep the secret.
I have added Teresa Driscoll's I Am Watching You to my want to read list.
Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/28/19.
I was intrigued as soon as I read the opening of The Promise by Teresa Driscoll. The story has a few twists and turns but, based on the book's description and opening, I expected it to be much darker than it is. However, although I enjoyed the novel, I would not consider it to be dark. It is more of a slow building suspense novel then a psychological thriller.
Three girls, Beth, Sally, and Carol, were best friends at a boarding school and as close as sisters. Something happens and they make a promise to never tell the secret of what happened.
Years later, all of them have been affected by the secret in different ways. Beth and Sally are still close friends but Carol has become estranged. When they find out the boarding school is to be sold and demolished, fearing their secret will be revealed, Beth and Sally attempt to find Carol..
Driscoll wanted to establish a intense connection between the girls but did not want to make them sisters. The setting helps you to understand why the girls would keep the secret.
I have added Teresa Driscoll's I Am Watching You to my want to read list.
Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 2/28/19.
Peter Shephard (2822 KP) rated Codenames in Tabletop Games
Jun 11, 2019
Spies! Spies everywhere!
Playing Codenames is like a stationary Charades. You need to identify your spy team to your team mate, without revealing too much, and before your enemy can identify their agents.
It's easy enough to look at the 25 cards, can pick a single, blindingly-obvious link to several cards.... but are they the cards you need to identify, and will your team mate understand?
By using single code words, and the amount of cards it refers to, it can be a simple game; however it can also be fiendishly difficult and it great fun.
We have played this a few times, and most of the guesses/clues have been for 2 or 3 cards - so "Engine, 3" could refer to parts of an engine, or items with an engine; however, if might be too a stretch if one of the cards is "STEAM", and there are also "MOTOR", "AUTOMOBILE", and "AIRCRAFT". So do I mean things WITH an engine? Things which move? A steam engine is much older than the others, perhaps it's not that; but STEAM ENGINE fits so well, hut I only have 3 choices...
The best single round was my wife and I - "Treasure 5", for the win. After a few minutes, all 5 had been identified, and we won. But dont tell anyone.... there are spies everywhere
It's easy enough to look at the 25 cards, can pick a single, blindingly-obvious link to several cards.... but are they the cards you need to identify, and will your team mate understand?
By using single code words, and the amount of cards it refers to, it can be a simple game; however it can also be fiendishly difficult and it great fun.
We have played this a few times, and most of the guesses/clues have been for 2 or 3 cards - so "Engine, 3" could refer to parts of an engine, or items with an engine; however, if might be too a stretch if one of the cards is "STEAM", and there are also "MOTOR", "AUTOMOBILE", and "AIRCRAFT". So do I mean things WITH an engine? Things which move? A steam engine is much older than the others, perhaps it's not that; but STEAM ENGINE fits so well, hut I only have 3 choices...
The best single round was my wife and I - "Treasure 5", for the win. After a few minutes, all 5 had been identified, and we won. But dont tell anyone.... there are spies everywhere
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals (An Animal Planet Book) in Books
Jun 18, 2018
Animal Planet: Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals by Animal Planet & Charles Gingham has a wide range of interesting things to read and learn about of animals. The book is divided in four parts, Strange, Unusual, Gross, and Cool. The book has wonderful and abundant pictures.
There are more than 200 photographs in this book that is divided into four different focuses: “Galleries” to explore a theme, “Featured Creature” to spotlight particular extraordinary animals, “Creature Collections” with groups of animals to compare and contrast, and “Macroview,” showing tiny details.
The featured animals are just amazing, and include the blobfish, the deep sea octopod, the ghost octopus, the red-lipped batfish, banded gila monster, and as you can tell by the names, a host of unusual creatures. On all of these pages, you learn astounding facts about what makes these animals so unusual.
The book includes a glossary, annotated links to find out more, and an index. I really appreciate that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of books benefits the principal partners of R.O.A.R. (Reach Out. Act. Respond) - Animal Planet’s project to help make the world a better place for animals.
I highly recommend this book for animal aficionados, both child and adult. It is a book that allows readers to learn about animals and spark interest to continue learning.
I received this book from Time Inc. Books and Animal Planet via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There are more than 200 photographs in this book that is divided into four different focuses: “Galleries” to explore a theme, “Featured Creature” to spotlight particular extraordinary animals, “Creature Collections” with groups of animals to compare and contrast, and “Macroview,” showing tiny details.
The featured animals are just amazing, and include the blobfish, the deep sea octopod, the ghost octopus, the red-lipped batfish, banded gila monster, and as you can tell by the names, a host of unusual creatures. On all of these pages, you learn astounding facts about what makes these animals so unusual.
The book includes a glossary, annotated links to find out more, and an index. I really appreciate that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of books benefits the principal partners of R.O.A.R. (Reach Out. Act. Respond) - Animal Planet’s project to help make the world a better place for animals.
I highly recommend this book for animal aficionados, both child and adult. It is a book that allows readers to learn about animals and spark interest to continue learning.
I received this book from Time Inc. Books and Animal Planet via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
One of the funniest books i've read in a long while
Contains spoilers, click to show
OH my I loved this story so much, I don't even know where to begin with this review.
Okay, Lets start with the fan fiction, as a person who sent hours on the computer reading Harry Potter fan fiction into the early hours of the morning and then to writing my own, I understand where Cath was coming form, that sometimes you forget that there is still books to come out or you wish they end the way they did as the fan fiction. I total got this, and i totally related to Cath.
Second Levi, You should always have a good book boyfriend and Levi, yeah he was perfect, could i have him? I'll look after him. he was funny and charming and he loved Cath, you could tell straight away and i just wanted to slap so she saw it too.
The story touched on other issues such as sisters trying to find their own groove, but how hard it can be to break patterns. there mother leaving them and now only wanting to be apart of their lives now they had grown up, their fathers illness.
This book was a great read, once i started i couldn't stop, and there the best kind of books. I will defiantly read more from Rainbow Rowell, now that I love her stuff.
Now to fan fiction :P
Happy Reading :)
Okay, Lets start with the fan fiction, as a person who sent hours on the computer reading Harry Potter fan fiction into the early hours of the morning and then to writing my own, I understand where Cath was coming form, that sometimes you forget that there is still books to come out or you wish they end the way they did as the fan fiction. I total got this, and i totally related to Cath.
Second Levi, You should always have a good book boyfriend and Levi, yeah he was perfect, could i have him? I'll look after him. he was funny and charming and he loved Cath, you could tell straight away and i just wanted to slap so she saw it too.
The story touched on other issues such as sisters trying to find their own groove, but how hard it can be to break patterns. there mother leaving them and now only wanting to be apart of their lives now they had grown up, their fathers illness.
This book was a great read, once i started i couldn't stop, and there the best kind of books. I will defiantly read more from Rainbow Rowell, now that I love her stuff.
Now to fan fiction :P
Happy Reading :)
Merissa (13169 KP) rated Voodoo Butterfly (Voodoo Butterfly #1) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
Voodoo Butterfly (Voodoo Butterfly #1) by Camille Faye
Voodoo Butterfly is the first book in the Voodoo Butterfly series, and from the start you can tell that research has been done for this story. Sophia is alone in the world, or at least she thinks she is. Her mother moved away from New Orleans, and told Sophia everyone was dead. However, after her mother's death, Sophia finds out that her grandmother had been alive, but no longer. She is told she has inherited half of a shop, and goes to the funeral to pay her last respects to a woman she never knew about.
This is a gripping and interesting story, with many facets to keep your attention. It is well written, with plenty of character development throughout. And come on, admit it, if you were handed a voodoo shop in New Orleans, you'd be sceptical too! I loved the interaction between all the characters, although I was unsure of just what Jacques was playing at.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I definitely would like to continue with this series. A fantastic start that leaves you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
This is a gripping and interesting story, with many facets to keep your attention. It is well written, with plenty of character development throughout. And come on, admit it, if you were handed a voodoo shop in New Orleans, you'd be sceptical too! I loved the interaction between all the characters, although I was unsure of just what Jacques was playing at.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I definitely would like to continue with this series. A fantastic start that leaves you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.
* 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!
Conehead (3 KP) rated Star Trek: Discovery in TV
Jul 9, 2018
New Trek
So I'm a huge Star trek fan. Wouldn't call myself a trekie but I did grow up watching TNG VOYAGER DS9 ENTERPRISE and for the newest addition DISCOVERY. Though not your typical star trek, I like how the producers put their own twist on it. I like the darkness of the series so far. Yeah I know star trek is about new life forms and what not but I like how we have war. There has always been a gap between Enterprise and TOS. Such as what happened during those times and how did the Federation finally come to be what it was by the time TOS happened. There have been many many many fan made films about the gap from Enterprise and TOS. The romulan war the Klingon war. Like what is the back story to all of it. Im just glad that someone took it upon themselves to finally tell us that story. The mirror universe such a popular side story to Star Trek. Love how they brought back character and ship thought dead and destroyed during the battle at the bianaries. Now for season two that's coming what more do we get. Speculation is we get more of section 31. I can't wait to see how they develop these stores as we get closer towards the TOS era.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Tell Me No Lies in Books
Nov 17, 2018
A bit slow in the middle but worth reading.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
"Tell Me No Lies" by Alex Sinclair starts as a love story but quickly becomes a psychological thriller that questions how well we really know those around us, especially those close to us. How well do you know your husband, wife, or significant other?
Leaving a dinner celebrating their 5th anniversary, John Dalton is a victim of a hit and run. He dies in the arms of his wife, Grace.
Desperate and grief stricken, Grace vows to figure out the meaning of John's last words to her. In doing so, she learns she did not know her husband at all. How much of her marriage was true?
I enjoyed the premise and much of the story. However, Grace's many of her actions were unbelievable and far fetched. The story did include an interesting and surprising twist which made the story worth finishing.
In the beginning of the novel, I sympathized with Grace. However, her actions made me stop rooting for her and just wanted to finish the book. I am glad I finished it and would read a different book by the author and have added one of his three other works to my "want to read" list on Goodreads.
"Tell Me No Lies" by Alex Sinclair starts as a love story but quickly becomes a psychological thriller that questions how well we really know those around us, especially those close to us. How well do you know your husband, wife, or significant other?
Leaving a dinner celebrating their 5th anniversary, John Dalton is a victim of a hit and run. He dies in the arms of his wife, Grace.
Desperate and grief stricken, Grace vows to figure out the meaning of John's last words to her. In doing so, she learns she did not know her husband at all. How much of her marriage was true?
I enjoyed the premise and much of the story. However, Grace's many of her actions were unbelievable and far fetched. The story did include an interesting and surprising twist which made the story worth finishing.
In the beginning of the novel, I sympathized with Grace. However, her actions made me stop rooting for her and just wanted to finish the book. I am glad I finished it and would read a different book by the author and have added one of his three other works to my "want to read" list on Goodreads.