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The Ice Beneath Her
8.0
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Winter’s chill has descended on Stockholm as police arrive at the scene of a shocking murder. An...
Merissa (12069 KP) rated Warrior's Heart (Iron Portal, #3) in Books
Apr 14, 2023
I am loving the Iron Portal series and Warrior's Heart is no exception. Vince was taken away abruptly by the army ten years ago, and presumed dead by his family for a long time. Zara was the one left behind that no one knew about but with a present of her own. Both these people have to fight to survive and have their own demons to bear, Vincent's just being more physical. What the 'Doctor' did to him was sickening, and his reasoning for it, although it sort of made sense in a twisted sort of way, absolutely did not excuse what he was doing to the Talents. Zara honed her Talent and used it to 'rescue' items that had been stolen from Cascadia. When she learns that Vincent is alive and can be found, she uses her Talent to rescue him too.
This book was harder to read as Vincent tries to deal with his past and his PTSD, while I was full of admiration for Zara and how she handled things. I fall more in love with Cascadia every time we visit and I loved the family reunion and yes, I shed a tear or two.
This is once again incredibly well-written, packed full of emotion and a delight to read. I would recommend this book and this series without any hesitation at all. Love it.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 02, 2015
This book was harder to read as Vincent tries to deal with his past and his PTSD, while I was full of admiration for Zara and how she handled things. I fall more in love with Cascadia every time we visit and I loved the family reunion and yes, I shed a tear or two.
This is once again incredibly well-written, packed full of emotion and a delight to read. I would recommend this book and this series without any hesitation at all. Love it.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 02, 2015
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Tease ( Vixen Bluff 4) in Books
Sep 22, 2023
135 of 235
Kindle
Tease ( Vixen Bluff 4)
By C.Black/Catherine Black
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forgiveness or Revenge. Tucker and Caroline must choose just one. You'd think the decision would be simple. You'd be wrong. Tucker I thought I was smart enough to stay away from Vixen Bluff, Texas—the place where I was relentlessly bullied as a teen—but I've proven myself wrong. After ten years serving my country, I'm back in my hometown with two weeks to spare, a single suitcase, and one tattered invitation to my high school reunion. I'm all geared up to show those who caused me the most pain just how far I've come. But that all changes the second I crash into the fence surrounding Vixen Bluff Animal Sanctuary. Caroline I'm a lot of things nowadays: Hermit, artist, animal savior...and rehabilitated bully. My most tortured victim and biggest regret? Tucker Beckett. When I see him again, I can hardly believe my eyes. Gone is the shy, awkward beanpole I terrorized, and in his place is a man capable of handling himself and whatever life throws his way. With Tucker back in town, a million-and-one questions descend on me. Can I prove to him I'm no longer the cruel, vindictive girl I used to be? Will he grant me his forgiveness if I ask for it? Or will a grudge that's lasted fifteen years continue to define both of our adult lives?
This was my favourite I loved it!! One of those truly feel good stories I finished it within an hour I couldn’t put it down!
Kindle
Tease ( Vixen Bluff 4)
By C.Black/Catherine Black
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forgiveness or Revenge. Tucker and Caroline must choose just one. You'd think the decision would be simple. You'd be wrong. Tucker I thought I was smart enough to stay away from Vixen Bluff, Texas—the place where I was relentlessly bullied as a teen—but I've proven myself wrong. After ten years serving my country, I'm back in my hometown with two weeks to spare, a single suitcase, and one tattered invitation to my high school reunion. I'm all geared up to show those who caused me the most pain just how far I've come. But that all changes the second I crash into the fence surrounding Vixen Bluff Animal Sanctuary. Caroline I'm a lot of things nowadays: Hermit, artist, animal savior...and rehabilitated bully. My most tortured victim and biggest regret? Tucker Beckett. When I see him again, I can hardly believe my eyes. Gone is the shy, awkward beanpole I terrorized, and in his place is a man capable of handling himself and whatever life throws his way. With Tucker back in town, a million-and-one questions descend on me. Can I prove to him I'm no longer the cruel, vindictive girl I used to be? Will he grant me his forgiveness if I ask for it? Or will a grudge that's lasted fifteen years continue to define both of our adult lives?
This was my favourite I loved it!! One of those truly feel good stories I finished it within an hour I couldn’t put it down!
Maddi Zoe (6 KP) rated MANIA by Fall Out Boy in Music
Feb 8, 2018
feet-tapping tunes (1 more)
light and dark
Fresh new sound, still Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy return with their seventh studio album titled 'Mania', which continues to explore their heavy alternative rock sound.
Mania is very similar in sound to Fall Out Boy's previous album from 2015 'American Beauty/American Psycho'. It's a far cry from where they first began with hits such as 'Sugar We're Goin' Down' and 'Dance, Dance'. Although it was classic rock hits such as 'I Don't Care' that brought them out into the spotlight in the first place. But you can clearly see the evolution of their music through each and every album.
They started to turn to heavier rock in their stand out album, 'Save Rock and Roll' in 2013, and continued to explore this style through to their 2015 album. Mania follows again follows this same successful recipe. But it's still fresh, with Pete Wentz describing it as a 'palette cleanse'.
You can tell that Fall Out Boy are passionate about their music. It's taken two years to get this album to a point where they felt happy with the finished product. Patrick Stump and the band started writing the new album during their 2016 tour, and it was originally scheduled for release in September last year. The release was delayed because they felt it was 'too rushed' and they didn't want to give fans something they felt was 'sub-par'.
The lyrics are, as usual, clever and intricate. It is clear that a lot of thought has gone into writing all of these songs. Some songs do again hint towards religion, such as 'Church' and 'Heaven's Gate'. This is becoming a common theme for the band, yet they maintain their heavy ego pop musicality. Fans of the band may also know it is common for the lyrics to sometimes reference other artists or the music industry in general. Anyone with a keen ear will notice the Britney Spears references in 'Young and Menace'.
Stump's voice. It is outstanding. This new album is no different. It is something that makes Fall Out Boy stand out among other bands. It is so crucial, especially in recent years, and Fall Out Boy continue to distance themselves away from bog-standard guitar solos. More often than not they have a bridge that is different to the rest of the song. This gives them more time to show off Stump's incredible and unique voice.
While the album is heavier than the majority of their music, some tracks such as 'Hold Me Tight or Don't', which are a bit lighter, and hint back to their 'old style'. Yet they continue to remain completely fresh. Whilst tracks such as 'Young and Menace' and 'Stay Frosty Royal Milk Tea' almost have a dubstep/dance vibe to them.
All ten tracks on the new album are completely different from one another other. There is something for everyone. It is combines the 'old' Fall Out Boy which we first fell in love with and the 'newer, even fresher' Fall Out Boy. It is yet again, another outstanding album from the band.
Mania is very similar in sound to Fall Out Boy's previous album from 2015 'American Beauty/American Psycho'. It's a far cry from where they first began with hits such as 'Sugar We're Goin' Down' and 'Dance, Dance'. Although it was classic rock hits such as 'I Don't Care' that brought them out into the spotlight in the first place. But you can clearly see the evolution of their music through each and every album.
They started to turn to heavier rock in their stand out album, 'Save Rock and Roll' in 2013, and continued to explore this style through to their 2015 album. Mania follows again follows this same successful recipe. But it's still fresh, with Pete Wentz describing it as a 'palette cleanse'.
You can tell that Fall Out Boy are passionate about their music. It's taken two years to get this album to a point where they felt happy with the finished product. Patrick Stump and the band started writing the new album during their 2016 tour, and it was originally scheduled for release in September last year. The release was delayed because they felt it was 'too rushed' and they didn't want to give fans something they felt was 'sub-par'.
The lyrics are, as usual, clever and intricate. It is clear that a lot of thought has gone into writing all of these songs. Some songs do again hint towards religion, such as 'Church' and 'Heaven's Gate'. This is becoming a common theme for the band, yet they maintain their heavy ego pop musicality. Fans of the band may also know it is common for the lyrics to sometimes reference other artists or the music industry in general. Anyone with a keen ear will notice the Britney Spears references in 'Young and Menace'.
Stump's voice. It is outstanding. This new album is no different. It is something that makes Fall Out Boy stand out among other bands. It is so crucial, especially in recent years, and Fall Out Boy continue to distance themselves away from bog-standard guitar solos. More often than not they have a bridge that is different to the rest of the song. This gives them more time to show off Stump's incredible and unique voice.
While the album is heavier than the majority of their music, some tracks such as 'Hold Me Tight or Don't', which are a bit lighter, and hint back to their 'old style'. Yet they continue to remain completely fresh. Whilst tracks such as 'Young and Menace' and 'Stay Frosty Royal Milk Tea' almost have a dubstep/dance vibe to them.
All ten tracks on the new album are completely different from one another other. There is something for everyone. It is combines the 'old' Fall Out Boy which we first fell in love with and the 'newer, even fresher' Fall Out Boy. It is yet again, another outstanding album from the band.
<i>I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.</i>
“Effortless inspiration for a happier life.” It has been scientifically proven that gratitude can be beneficial to both mental and physical wellbeing. It is also acknowledged that being thankful is difficult for many people due to negative circumstances or pessimistic personalities. <i>Gratitude</i> is a little, hardback book by writer and graphic designer, Dani DiPirro, whose purpose is to encourage the reader to show and feel more gratitude in their lives. In a way, this is a self-help book.
Using quotes, written insights and activity suggestions, DiPirro guides the reader through a number of situations in which one can be grateful. The author’s insights are sensitive but to the point, suggesting that everyone faces these problems, and does not isolate individuals. The quotes help to emphasise the points she makes and the activities are simple and relevant.
The activities themselves are nothing to be afraid of; they are not strenuous or difficult, they merely require you to think or complete a task that does not require you to go out of your way: “ Reflect on the last time you experienced compassion or forgiveness.”
The book itself is simply yet beautifully designed. The red colour theme makes it feel bright and positive; however will be more attractive to women than it would be to men. The print is large, clear and easy to read; suitable for all ages and backgrounds.
Although roughly 130 pages, it only takes ten minutes to read from cover to cover. However, this is not the intention of the author. To get the most out of the book, each section/task should be tackled individually in order to experience the outcome you are hoping for: feeling a sense of gratitude. This is a book that you can return to time and time again, whether you feel motivated or need a little pick me up.
At the back of the book DiPirro has provided lists of top ten ways to be grateful in different environments. These are useful for when you are experiencing problems in the home, or at work, and need help stepping back and seeing the bigger picture.
Overall, <i>Gratitude</i> is a lovely, inexpensive guide to help people gain a more positive outlook on life. There are also other books in this series that focus on different areas of life that people struggle with; e.g. forgiveness and living in the moment. <i>Gratitude</i> is the ideal book to give as a gift to a loved one, or even to keep on your own bookshelf or bedside table, accessible when needed.
“Effortless inspiration for a happier life.” It has been scientifically proven that gratitude can be beneficial to both mental and physical wellbeing. It is also acknowledged that being thankful is difficult for many people due to negative circumstances or pessimistic personalities. <i>Gratitude</i> is a little, hardback book by writer and graphic designer, Dani DiPirro, whose purpose is to encourage the reader to show and feel more gratitude in their lives. In a way, this is a self-help book.
Using quotes, written insights and activity suggestions, DiPirro guides the reader through a number of situations in which one can be grateful. The author’s insights are sensitive but to the point, suggesting that everyone faces these problems, and does not isolate individuals. The quotes help to emphasise the points she makes and the activities are simple and relevant.
The activities themselves are nothing to be afraid of; they are not strenuous or difficult, they merely require you to think or complete a task that does not require you to go out of your way: “ Reflect on the last time you experienced compassion or forgiveness.”
The book itself is simply yet beautifully designed. The red colour theme makes it feel bright and positive; however will be more attractive to women than it would be to men. The print is large, clear and easy to read; suitable for all ages and backgrounds.
Although roughly 130 pages, it only takes ten minutes to read from cover to cover. However, this is not the intention of the author. To get the most out of the book, each section/task should be tackled individually in order to experience the outcome you are hoping for: feeling a sense of gratitude. This is a book that you can return to time and time again, whether you feel motivated or need a little pick me up.
At the back of the book DiPirro has provided lists of top ten ways to be grateful in different environments. These are useful for when you are experiencing problems in the home, or at work, and need help stepping back and seeing the bigger picture.
Overall, <i>Gratitude</i> is a lovely, inexpensive guide to help people gain a more positive outlook on life. There are also other books in this series that focus on different areas of life that people struggle with; e.g. forgiveness and living in the moment. <i>Gratitude</i> is the ideal book to give as a gift to a loved one, or even to keep on your own bookshelf or bedside table, accessible when needed.
FilmIntuition (33 KP) rated Leave No Trace in Books
Oct 24, 2018
Defying all odds, ten years after a father and son wandered into the hundreds of miles of woods and water, comprise northern Minnesota's aptly named Boundary Waters, the son emerges from the wild not only alive but changed, violent, and withdrawn.
Winding up in the mental hospital where former patient turned assistant language therapist Maya Stark works, when Maya first meets nineteen-year-old Lucas Blackthorn, he lashes out, nearly choking Maya to death in a horrific assault.
The only person with whom he's shared any meaningful interaction (good or bad), the unflappable Maya is sent to speak with Lucas again, only for the two to build a strong connection as Mindy Mejia's book continues and we realize that both are harboring some serious secrets.
The definition of a page-turner from the start, while initially Leave No Trace's intensely vivid sentences fly right by, as the book moves from thriller to psychological mystery, it loses a good deal of suspense.
Slowing things down in the middle of the work which could've used some tightening up, while it's fairly easy to see how the two characters are connected on the surface, as Maya risks everything to help Lucas and learn more, Mejia's book picks right back up, leading to an if not altogether surprising than at least satisfying conclusion.
A terrific character-driven storyteller, while Mejia takes awhile to return to the pace of Trace's opening chapters, readers looking for mysterious psychological tale set against the atmospheric (and metaphorical) backdrop of such a beautiful but dangerous stretch of land and sea should pick this one up.
Note: I received an ARC of the title through Bookish First in exchange for an honest review.
Winding up in the mental hospital where former patient turned assistant language therapist Maya Stark works, when Maya first meets nineteen-year-old Lucas Blackthorn, he lashes out, nearly choking Maya to death in a horrific assault.
The only person with whom he's shared any meaningful interaction (good or bad), the unflappable Maya is sent to speak with Lucas again, only for the two to build a strong connection as Mindy Mejia's book continues and we realize that both are harboring some serious secrets.
The definition of a page-turner from the start, while initially Leave No Trace's intensely vivid sentences fly right by, as the book moves from thriller to psychological mystery, it loses a good deal of suspense.
Slowing things down in the middle of the work which could've used some tightening up, while it's fairly easy to see how the two characters are connected on the surface, as Maya risks everything to help Lucas and learn more, Mejia's book picks right back up, leading to an if not altogether surprising than at least satisfying conclusion.
A terrific character-driven storyteller, while Mejia takes awhile to return to the pace of Trace's opening chapters, readers looking for mysterious psychological tale set against the atmospheric (and metaphorical) backdrop of such a beautiful but dangerous stretch of land and sea should pick this one up.
Note: I received an ARC of the title through Bookish First in exchange for an honest review.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Spirited Away (2001) in Movies
Nov 24, 2019
Never Recovered After a Slow Start
When a girl gets separated from her parents during a family outing, she ends up in an abandoned amusement park that is a gateway to the spirit world. After her parents get turned into pigs, she has to figure out a way to save them and get home.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 1
Gets off to a pretty slow start. Literally every single time I watch the first ten minutes, I get sleepy. I don’t know if it’s the music or the slow drive through the country, but I wish things would move a bit faster.
Characters: 10
The spirit world is definitely not lacking in originality, particularly when it comes to the characters. I appreciated the level of detail here as every single spirit, good or bad, had their own way of moving, talking, and interacting with the world around them. In Spirited Away, you get crazy witches, dragons, and a professor-looking dude that has spider-like limbs. There is so much to see, I keep seeing new things each time I go back and watch the movie.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 7
Memorability: 5
Pace: 3
Plot: 7
Resolution: 4
Although the ending is better than the beginning, that’s not saying much. it felt dry and lacking of a definitive conclusion. Was definitely hoping for more.
Overall: 67
Sometimes I will watch a movie multiple times and appreciate it more the second or third time around. Unfortunately, for me, Spirited Away doesn’t quite hit that mark. It’s a good that my opinion isn’t the end-all be-all because these Hayao Mayazaki movies have a huge following. Maybe I’ll try this one again someday, but, for now, I’m good.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 1
Gets off to a pretty slow start. Literally every single time I watch the first ten minutes, I get sleepy. I don’t know if it’s the music or the slow drive through the country, but I wish things would move a bit faster.
Characters: 10
The spirit world is definitely not lacking in originality, particularly when it comes to the characters. I appreciated the level of detail here as every single spirit, good or bad, had their own way of moving, talking, and interacting with the world around them. In Spirited Away, you get crazy witches, dragons, and a professor-looking dude that has spider-like limbs. There is so much to see, I keep seeing new things each time I go back and watch the movie.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 7
Memorability: 5
Pace: 3
Plot: 7
Resolution: 4
Although the ending is better than the beginning, that’s not saying much. it felt dry and lacking of a definitive conclusion. Was definitely hoping for more.
Overall: 67
Sometimes I will watch a movie multiple times and appreciate it more the second or third time around. Unfortunately, for me, Spirited Away doesn’t quite hit that mark. It’s a good that my opinion isn’t the end-all be-all because these Hayao Mayazaki movies have a huge following. Maybe I’ll try this one again someday, but, for now, I’m good.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Queen of Hearts (2019) in Movies
Mar 22, 2020
Very Enjoyable...And Cringy
I have to say, just when I thought I knew where things were going with Queen of Hearts, it totally threw me off the rails. I applaud the change in direction and is one of the numerous reasons I liked it. In this movie, a woman seduces her stepson and is faced with a tough decision as a result.
Acting: 10
Trine Dyrholm shines in a brilliant performance as mom Anne. I related to her conflict and the torment that followed. I was not only impressed with her but the entire cast of actors comprised in this movie.
Beginning: 10
The film doesn’t take a long time for the conflict to build. Even knowing what the movie is about, you’re still a bit at the edge of your seat waiting as the tension builds. After the first ten minutes, I knew what was coming and I was excited for it anyway.
Characters: 10
Conflict: 8
Entertainment Value: 9
Memorability: 7
Pace: 8
Plot: 10
Great story design from start to finish. Tension builds, it mounts, and just when you think things will settle, things get crazy again. I was entranced by this story and its reliance on deep characters to move the plot along.
Resolution: 5
I can’t speak for everyone, but the ending left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. I felt it would happen, but it didn’t make it any easier of a pill to swallow when my fears were confirmed. No matter what, you have to understand with a story like this, it can’t end with sunshine and roses. Be prepared.
Overall: 87
Queen of Hearts is a rollercoaster of a story with intense conflict that steadily builds. I definitely didn’t see the twist coming which made me fully appreciate the value of the movie. Worth checking out!
Acting: 10
Trine Dyrholm shines in a brilliant performance as mom Anne. I related to her conflict and the torment that followed. I was not only impressed with her but the entire cast of actors comprised in this movie.
Beginning: 10
The film doesn’t take a long time for the conflict to build. Even knowing what the movie is about, you’re still a bit at the edge of your seat waiting as the tension builds. After the first ten minutes, I knew what was coming and I was excited for it anyway.
Characters: 10
Conflict: 8
Entertainment Value: 9
Memorability: 7
Pace: 8
Plot: 10
Great story design from start to finish. Tension builds, it mounts, and just when you think things will settle, things get crazy again. I was entranced by this story and its reliance on deep characters to move the plot along.
Resolution: 5
I can’t speak for everyone, but the ending left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. I felt it would happen, but it didn’t make it any easier of a pill to swallow when my fears were confirmed. No matter what, you have to understand with a story like this, it can’t end with sunshine and roses. Be prepared.
Overall: 87
Queen of Hearts is a rollercoaster of a story with intense conflict that steadily builds. I definitely didn’t see the twist coming which made me fully appreciate the value of the movie. Worth checking out!
Trumbo: A Biography of the Oscar-Winning Screenwriter Who Broke the Hollywood Blacklist - Now a Major Motion Picture
7.5
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NOMINATED FOR OSCAR, BAFTA AND GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS (BRYAN CRANSTON, BEST ACTOR) Dalton Trumbo was...
Kris Kristofferson: Country Highwayman
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Singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson has maintained a career in music and film for more than forty...