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Ari Augustine (10 KP) rated Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now in Books
May 4, 2020
It's rare that I pick up a YA Contemporary, but there was something about Tiffany Sly that I couldn't pass up.
This book is about a 16 year old girl whose life is uprooted when she must move in with the father she has never known. To make matters worse, a second man claims to be her father and gives her 7 days to take a DNA test. Tiffany and her father's family are from two different worlds, but what I loved is how they're portrayed - how not a single character is who you thought they were at the beginning of the book.
If you want a book that will give you so many feels with a character who is unbelievably relatable, then this is the book for you. If you want a book that will make you cry and laugh, this book is for you. If you like a cast of complex characters, then you'll love Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now.
I read it in about a day, which is my way of saying this book was amazing!
This book is about a 16 year old girl whose life is uprooted when she must move in with the father she has never known. To make matters worse, a second man claims to be her father and gives her 7 days to take a DNA test. Tiffany and her father's family are from two different worlds, but what I loved is how they're portrayed - how not a single character is who you thought they were at the beginning of the book.
If you want a book that will give you so many feels with a character who is unbelievably relatable, then this is the book for you. If you want a book that will make you cry and laugh, this book is for you. If you like a cast of complex characters, then you'll love Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now.
I read it in about a day, which is my way of saying this book was amazing!
Julie (77 KP) rated The Goddess Test in Books
Sep 12, 2017
Henry (1 more)
Not insta-love
"I’ve probably read The Goddess Test trilogy at least five times. I absolutely LOVE these books.
This spin on the Greek gods is amazing. It’s so different and refreshing. In this book, Kate has a big task ahead of her. Passing the seven tests are difficult, but what happens after winning is almost as difficult, if not more so. But let me just say, she has the ability to pass and do well after doing so, she just doesn’t quite believe it herself.
You get to read about a lot of different characters, each one is very different and has their own little quirks and faults. Some of them being Ava- Kates best friend who is a flirty, boy crazy young girl who has a hard time keeping her hands to herself; Calliope- a quiet, obedient servant who shows Kate support; Ella- Kate’s bossy attendant who loves to dress her up in awful dresses; and Diana- Kate’s loving mother who is dying but visits Kate through her dreams." Read the entire review here: https://thenerdybookwormsite.wordpress.com/2017/07/07/the-goddess-test-by-aimee-carter/
This spin on the Greek gods is amazing. It’s so different and refreshing. In this book, Kate has a big task ahead of her. Passing the seven tests are difficult, but what happens after winning is almost as difficult, if not more so. But let me just say, she has the ability to pass and do well after doing so, she just doesn’t quite believe it herself.
You get to read about a lot of different characters, each one is very different and has their own little quirks and faults. Some of them being Ava- Kates best friend who is a flirty, boy crazy young girl who has a hard time keeping her hands to herself; Calliope- a quiet, obedient servant who shows Kate support; Ella- Kate’s bossy attendant who loves to dress her up in awful dresses; and Diana- Kate’s loving mother who is dying but visits Kate through her dreams." Read the entire review here: https://thenerdybookwormsite.wordpress.com/2017/07/07/the-goddess-test-by-aimee-carter/
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Mr. Monk Helps Himself (Mr. Monk #16) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Natalie's new self-help guru commits suicide in the middle of a public event, but she's convinced it is murder. Meanwhile, Monk is hired to find the killer of a clown, one of his top 100 phobias. This is going to be the biggest test of their new partnership.
This is the first tie in novel not written by Lee Goldberg, but since Hy was a writer on the show, he already knows the characters. He's picked up from where Lee left off, and fans of the show and the books will love it. Laughs, good mysteries, and great characters.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-mr-monk-helps-himself-by-hy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
This is the first tie in novel not written by Lee Goldberg, but since Hy was a writer on the show, he already knows the characters. He's picked up from where Lee left off, and fans of the show and the books will love it. Laughs, good mysteries, and great characters.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-review-mr-monk-helps-himself-by-hy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The First Purge (2018) in Movies
Apr 18, 2020
The Low Outcome
The First Purge- a not nesscary film, a pequel film to the purge franchise and this one, like the first one is boring, nothing happens. Not alot of suspense, thrills and horror. So why borther with this film, dont watch this film.
The plot: To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community. But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the others, the contagion will explode from the trial-city borders and spread across the nation.
Dont watch this film, its very boring. Watch the 2nd and 3rd one.
The plot: To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community. But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the others, the contagion will explode from the trial-city borders and spread across the nation.
Dont watch this film, its very boring. Watch the 2nd and 3rd one.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Godzilla Vs Megaguirus (2000) in Movies
Mar 9, 2018 (Updated Mar 9, 2018)
Excitable first Godzilla movie of the 21st century has some decent special effects but a more than usually ridiculous plot. Elite anti-monster force known as, and I kid you not, the 'G-Graspers' plan to kill Godzilla by filling him full of black holes; for an elite anti-monster force they seem very unconcerned when weapons test causes an infestation of giant predatory dragonflies known as Meganulons (a call-back to the original Rodan movie in the 1950s). The dragonflies proceed to flood Tokyo (quite how they manage this is not clear) and feed on Godzilla's irradiated mutant blood, which is bound to end badly.
One thing you have to say is that Godzilla Vs Megaguirus is full of big and wacky ideas, but the human characters are unappealing, the plot is very comic-booky even for a Godzilla film (and not in a good way), and the movie can't seem to figure out which of the monsters is supposed to be the good guy. The film drags on for another fifteen minutes after the climactic battle, too. The monster suits and special effects are not too bad, but the same is true of all the Godzilla films from around this point in time, and those don't have the weird flaws of this one.
One thing you have to say is that Godzilla Vs Megaguirus is full of big and wacky ideas, but the human characters are unappealing, the plot is very comic-booky even for a Godzilla film (and not in a good way), and the movie can't seem to figure out which of the monsters is supposed to be the good guy. The film drags on for another fifteen minutes after the climactic battle, too. The monster suits and special effects are not too bad, but the same is true of all the Godzilla films from around this point in time, and those don't have the weird flaws of this one.
Jacob Reese (14 KP) rated Ex Machina (2015) in Movies
Jun 14, 2020
A Look at the Possibilities of AI
Contains spoilers, click to show
This movie is a fantastic look at the possibilities of artificial intelligence. While Ava is questionable about the full extent of her intelligence as she was merely programmed to make Caleb fall in love with her. I'm not sure that there is any difference between her and another person. She wanted freedom and while she did everything she could to gain that freedom. Her final decision to leave Caleb is the ultimate test of her intelligence. While she certainly used him to gain freedom that showed her intelligence. However, it also showed her lack of humanity. This does show that she has true artificial intelligence she has no humanity which means that she is not the same as a human and never will be. She failed Nathan's true purpose for her though succeeding in her own purpose.
Andrea (28 KP) rated Vampire Academy in Books
Aug 18, 2017
Passes the Bechdel test on the first page. (2 more)
Primary relationship is a friendship
Strong female protagonist
Other books in the series are stronger, so keep reading (1 more)
Don't judge a book by its movie
Not about vampires, and that's a good thing.
This series represents some of Mead's strongest writing. While this isn't the best book in the series (I save that distinction for #2, #3, and especially #6) it does give the necessary set up for everything.
The primary relationship with the friendship and devotion between Rose and Lissa. Both women have their own stories through the series and the book easily passes the bechdel test and many others. That isn't to say that the male lead isn't worthwhile; he will most likely become one of your fav "book boyfriends" but his role become bigger later in the books.
While the series contains vampires and is set in a vampiric world (practically no humans in the series) I wouldn't call it a typical vampire book. The vampire setting serves more as a way to introduce a discussion on class structure and politics. We seem more and more of this later in the series.
One thing of note: the primary romantics relationship in this book is between a student and her mentor/instructor. Also, while she is above the age of consent in Montana (where this is set) she is under 18 for half the series.
The primary relationship with the friendship and devotion between Rose and Lissa. Both women have their own stories through the series and the book easily passes the bechdel test and many others. That isn't to say that the male lead isn't worthwhile; he will most likely become one of your fav "book boyfriends" but his role become bigger later in the books.
While the series contains vampires and is set in a vampiric world (practically no humans in the series) I wouldn't call it a typical vampire book. The vampire setting serves more as a way to introduce a discussion on class structure and politics. We seem more and more of this later in the series.
One thing of note: the primary romantics relationship in this book is between a student and her mentor/instructor. Also, while she is above the age of consent in Montana (where this is set) she is under 18 for half the series.
Connie (244 KP) rated Super Powereds: Year 4 in Books
Jun 8, 2018
A brilliant conclusion to an outstanding quartet
I literally don't know what to say. This book took my breath away. The trials were tough, and the fallout from Year 3 is real and well-thought-out. The characters have defined themselves and their growth is evident. The world is ready for these new heroes... Assuming they can make it to graduation.
Personally, I appreciate the struggle that Alice goes through and how she chooses to utilize her Subtlety skills. I also loved watch in Will try to find the lines of his own morality--will I break the law to achieve my ends? His test is brilliant, and I love Kennedy's reasoning when the test is over.
I stumbled onto this series from Crew's NPC series, and it was well worth it! I will be on the lookout every day to see what I can find by the magnificent Mr
Hayes!
This book was $6 on Kindle and comes to almost 2000 pages (yes, almost TWO THOUSAND pages. It's not a typo).
Personally, I appreciate the struggle that Alice goes through and how she chooses to utilize her Subtlety skills. I also loved watch in Will try to find the lines of his own morality--will I break the law to achieve my ends? His test is brilliant, and I love Kennedy's reasoning when the test is over.
I stumbled onto this series from Crew's NPC series, and it was well worth it! I will be on the lookout every day to see what I can find by the magnificent Mr
Hayes!
This book was $6 on Kindle and comes to almost 2000 pages (yes, almost TWO THOUSAND pages. It's not a typo).
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated 47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019) in Movies
May 7, 2020
47 Meters Down: Uncaged is pretty much what you would expect from a low budget shark-horror-sequel. It has ok moments, insufferable characters, dodgy CGI, buckets of nonsense - the whole package.
In all honesty, the first 25 minutes or so are actually half decent. The plot revolves around four friends getting stuck in an underwater Mayan ruin whilst cave diving. This setting is effective, providing a claustrophobic backdrop for the characters to be stalked by a great white shark. There are countless shots of sheer blackness, and it's relatively unsettling now and again.
Of course there's a hastily introduced plot kicker not long after - the shark is in fact blind, and hunts using sound, and here is where the movies big gaping issues lie....
The ladies figure this detail out immediately, but then proceed to constantly scream and shout for the test of the runtime. Not only can they hear each other talking clear as day UNDERWATER, but their incessant warbling had me rooting for the shark before long. What starts as a fairly tense underwater thriller, devolves into Hollywood silliness in a matter of minutes, complete with a set of characters that lack any relatability or likable qualities.
The sharks themselves look ok when shrouded in darkness (there are a few creepy shots, and a few fairly good jump scares), but up close, the poor CGI is easily exposed.
It's not a terrible, but you're not missing out if you give this one a pass.
In all honesty, the first 25 minutes or so are actually half decent. The plot revolves around four friends getting stuck in an underwater Mayan ruin whilst cave diving. This setting is effective, providing a claustrophobic backdrop for the characters to be stalked by a great white shark. There are countless shots of sheer blackness, and it's relatively unsettling now and again.
Of course there's a hastily introduced plot kicker not long after - the shark is in fact blind, and hunts using sound, and here is where the movies big gaping issues lie....
The ladies figure this detail out immediately, but then proceed to constantly scream and shout for the test of the runtime. Not only can they hear each other talking clear as day UNDERWATER, but their incessant warbling had me rooting for the shark before long. What starts as a fairly tense underwater thriller, devolves into Hollywood silliness in a matter of minutes, complete with a set of characters that lack any relatability or likable qualities.
The sharks themselves look ok when shrouded in darkness (there are a few creepy shots, and a few fairly good jump scares), but up close, the poor CGI is easily exposed.
It's not a terrible, but you're not missing out if you give this one a pass.
ClareR (5603 KP) rated The Memory of Animals in Books
Jun 8, 2023
I’m completely braised. I love Claire Fullers writing, I’ve loved everything I’ve read by her and The Memory of Animals is no exception. And the fact that this could be described as a dystopian or even an apocalyptic novel made it even more fascinating. I love this genre - even though it usually enters my dreams and makes for an interesting nights sleep!
This is a pandemic novel - but not our pandemic, not Covid. This is a dropsy-type disease, where those infected swell up, their brains swell up too, they forget - and more often than not, they die.
Neffy (Nefeli) and a group of young people volunteer to be vaccinated against, and then infected by, the virus. Something goes wrong, and it looks as though Neffy and four other test volunteers are the only ones who are alive and well. But they can’t leave the building they’re in and the food is running out.
Neffy is a Marine Biologist, an Aquarist, and my favourite parts were her letters to ‘H’ as well as her flashbacks to childhood and pre-pandemic.
This isn’t *just* a speculative, science fiction book, it’s a story about the human condition, about the human drive to survive against the odds, regret, loss, grief, memory, love and above all, hope.
I could go on and on about this. I would never have expected a novel like this from Claire Fuller after reading her previous novels, but that’s what makes it even better. I actually read this twice (unheard of for me, actually). I finished it and immediately started reading again.
So yes, I would most definitely strongly recommend this book!
This is a pandemic novel - but not our pandemic, not Covid. This is a dropsy-type disease, where those infected swell up, their brains swell up too, they forget - and more often than not, they die.
Neffy (Nefeli) and a group of young people volunteer to be vaccinated against, and then infected by, the virus. Something goes wrong, and it looks as though Neffy and four other test volunteers are the only ones who are alive and well. But they can’t leave the building they’re in and the food is running out.
Neffy is a Marine Biologist, an Aquarist, and my favourite parts were her letters to ‘H’ as well as her flashbacks to childhood and pre-pandemic.
This isn’t *just* a speculative, science fiction book, it’s a story about the human condition, about the human drive to survive against the odds, regret, loss, grief, memory, love and above all, hope.
I could go on and on about this. I would never have expected a novel like this from Claire Fuller after reading her previous novels, but that’s what makes it even better. I actually read this twice (unheard of for me, actually). I finished it and immediately started reading again.
So yes, I would most definitely strongly recommend this book!