David McK (3600 KP) rated Me Bandy, You Cissie (The Bandy Papers, #4) in Books
Jan 30, 2019
This is the first novel not set in (or related to) The First World War, as it is set in the 1920s, and follows the trials and tribulations of its titular character upon his escape from Russia and return to America: events that see him join (and then get fired from) the postal service, and eventually become an unwitting early Hollywood star.
While it's still fitfully amusing, I have to say I didn't find this as funny as the earlier books: maybe because it is set in America, and relates to events and characters that we (in the West) are not as familiar with as our American or Canadian counter-parts.
Hetty Feather
Jacqueline Wilson and Emma Reeves
9.0
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Book
ROLL UP and join Hetty on her escape from the Foundling Hospital. TREMBLE as she faces Matron...
Deckscape: Crew vs Crew - The Pirate's Island
7.0
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Tabletop Game
Deckscape Crew vs Crew: Pirates' Island is part of a series of games inspired by real escape rooms...
Tribulation (Cops Planet #1)
Book
When a couple celebrates their eleventh marriage anniversary at their old mansion far from the city...
Adult Suspense Thriller
Night of the Solstice (Wildworld, #1)
10.0
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Book
When Claudia Hodges-Bradley meets a fox, she knows it will be an extraordinary day. Not just any...
David McK (3600 KP) rated Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) in Movies
Dec 31, 2019 (Updated Apr 28, 2020)
It's fair to say that this has permeated popular culture: the bullwhip, the hat, the fear of snakes are all intrinsic to the character and heavily copied over the years (Tomb Raider, anyone? The Uncharted series?), with even TVs The Simpsons doing a parody of the opening tomb robbing scene with Homer chasing Bart and ending up rolling down the stairs.
There's almost too many iconic scenes (and quotes) to count: that tomb robber bit at the start, the fed-up Indy shooting the sword-wielder in Cairo (initially storyboarded as a full on sword fight, except the actors all got sick), the Well of Souls sequence, the escape, "It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage", the opening of the Ark by the Nazis and the final warehouse scene, to name but a few!
Spirit Ascendancy ( The Gateway Trilogy book 3)
8.0
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Book
In the wake of their terrifying escape from Fairhaven Hall, sisters Jess and Hannah Ballard find...
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated Escape from Eden in Books
Jun 7, 2018
I've always been drawn to books that deal with cults, so when Escape from Eden by Elisa Nader came up for review, I was overjoyed! Luckily, I wasn't disappointed.
I love the synopsis of the book, and I think it's spot on, so I won't bore you with the blurb in my own words.
The title definitely suits the book as Gabriel and Mia are actually trying to escape. It's definitely an intriguing title and one that caught my attention.
I wasn't sold on the cover to begin with, but after awhile, it grew on me. I like the photo of Mia peeking out behind some kind of bush. It definitely sets the tone of the story.
The world building, overall, was really fantastically written, and I found myself instantly drawn into the book. However, I did wonder how Mia, a girl whose been in a compound since the age of 10 with no links to the outside world, knew about sex. Maybe she picked it up from other members, I don't know, but that question kept gnawing at me.
The pacing of this book did start out a bit slow for my liking, and I was wondering if this book would end up on my DNF (did not finish) pile. Luckily, after the first few chapters, the pacing picks up immensely, and it becomes hard to put this book down.
I loved the plot! Although plots about people trying to escape a cult aren't new, Nader did an excellent job at keeping the plot original. There aren't any major plot twists, but it doesn't matter. This book doesn't need them because it is just that good! The author also does a fantastic job of incorporating a bit of romance without it overshadowing the major plot point. Since I'm a Christian, I must admit that I was a little worried this book would belittle religion and/or God, but after reviewing the book, I didn't find anything offensive in it which was a relief.
I felt as if the characters were written really well. I loved Mia, and although I didn't connect with her right at first, I began to slowly love and care for her. I admired her courage even when she was vulnerable. I also loved Gabriel and the dry humor he brought to the story. I couldn't help but love him! Even mean girl Bridgette was written fantastically!
The dialogue was fantastic and flowed smoothly with the exception of the little bit of some info dump at the beginning of the book. The character interactions never felt forced or weak. There are a few swear words in this book though, so be forewarned if you''re not a fan of swearing.
Overall, Escape from Eden is a fantastic read once you get past the first few chapters. I loved how fantastic the characters were and how great the story line was written!
I'd recommend this book to those aged 16+ who want to read about strong characters and a fascinating plot that will leave you breathless.
(I received a free hardback copy of this title from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review).
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The War that Saved My Life (The War That Saved My Life #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
This coming of age story shows how we all fight wars within ourselves each day and sometimes it takes allowing others to help you to win those wars.