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Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Quick in Books
Feb 21, 2018
**I received an ARC of this book at no cost, but was not compensated for this review.**
This book has some elements of the trendy epistolary style of story-telling via documents woven into a traditional, Victorian-style novel. James Norbury is an aspiring poet who finds himself living in London with the friend of a friend. A quiet, shy man, James finds friendship, love, and then tragedy as his life is torn apart by events completely outside of his control. The first part of the book tells us James' story, then we move on to journal entries and tales from other points of view, and slowly piece together what is truly happening in London, and what James has unwittingly become involved in.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book but was quickly drawn into James' London. The book is both surprising and at times terrible, but I couldn't put it down. This is definitely not a story for the feint-of-heart, but a very good read set in an entirely believable world filled with characters you won't soon forget.
This book has some elements of the trendy epistolary style of story-telling via documents woven into a traditional, Victorian-style novel. James Norbury is an aspiring poet who finds himself living in London with the friend of a friend. A quiet, shy man, James finds friendship, love, and then tragedy as his life is torn apart by events completely outside of his control. The first part of the book tells us James' story, then we move on to journal entries and tales from other points of view, and slowly piece together what is truly happening in London, and what James has unwittingly become involved in.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book but was quickly drawn into James' London. The book is both surprising and at times terrible, but I couldn't put it down. This is definitely not a story for the feint-of-heart, but a very good read set in an entirely believable world filled with characters you won't soon forget.
Cyn Armistead (14 KP) rated Fifty Shades of Grey in Books
Feb 23, 2018
I didn't intend to read this book, as I'd largely heard snark about it. A dear friend recommended it, though, so I finally gave it a read.
The writing definitely needs polish and a good editor--I couldn't possibly give it more than 3 stars due to that alone. The sexy is there, though, and that's the whole purpose of the book. It does follow most of the traditional romance tropes, which explains most of its acceptance, but the addition of spicier sex seems to be what has everyone talking. (I'd call it spicy more than truly kinky.)
The entire plot takes place in just three weeks, which isn't bad in the romance world. That doesn't leave much time for character growth, but there is a little. That brings the book up a star from where I'd put most romance novels.
If you want some light, sexy summer reading and don't mind the fact that this is so very obviously a self-published first novel, go for it. Some people will want to read it just because of all the uproar, I imagine. If you're looking for literature or true erotica, pass this one up.
The writing definitely needs polish and a good editor--I couldn't possibly give it more than 3 stars due to that alone. The sexy is there, though, and that's the whole purpose of the book. It does follow most of the traditional romance tropes, which explains most of its acceptance, but the addition of spicier sex seems to be what has everyone talking. (I'd call it spicy more than truly kinky.)
The entire plot takes place in just three weeks, which isn't bad in the romance world. That doesn't leave much time for character growth, but there is a little. That brings the book up a star from where I'd put most romance novels.
If you want some light, sexy summer reading and don't mind the fact that this is so very obviously a self-published first novel, go for it. Some people will want to read it just because of all the uproar, I imagine. If you're looking for literature or true erotica, pass this one up.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Hereditary (2018) in Movies
Jun 16, 2018 (Updated Jun 16, 2018)
Never-knowingly-underwrought horror movie (looks like one of those post-horror movies for a bit; but no, it's a horror movie after all). Screwed up but nicely affluent family contends with aftermath of bereavement; is the mother right in her belief that supernatural forces are at work around them, or just a bit nuts?
First half is a horribly intense and rather oppressive study of grief and emotional dysfunction; not actually what you'd call scary, though. Second half is a much more traditional horror movie with spooky seances, severed heads a go go, waking nightmares, embroidered doormats and many other clichés - but still not actually what you'd call scary in any but the most superficial way. Plot is all over the place; all the bits that will make you jump are in the trailer, pretty much. Very possibly worth watching for a brilliant performance by Toni Collette, but this is the equivalent of a really good stereo in a car with a cruddy engine. The movie is atmospheric and the director shows promise, but if this is what counts as a great horror movie nowadays the genre is in serious trouble.
First half is a horribly intense and rather oppressive study of grief and emotional dysfunction; not actually what you'd call scary, though. Second half is a much more traditional horror movie with spooky seances, severed heads a go go, waking nightmares, embroidered doormats and many other clichés - but still not actually what you'd call scary in any but the most superficial way. Plot is all over the place; all the bits that will make you jump are in the trailer, pretty much. Very possibly worth watching for a brilliant performance by Toni Collette, but this is the equivalent of a really good stereo in a car with a cruddy engine. The movie is atmospheric and the director shows promise, but if this is what counts as a great horror movie nowadays the genre is in serious trouble.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2173 KP) rated Lost Legacy in Books
Sep 5, 2018
Suspicious Suicide Unearths Questions from Zoe’s Past
When paramedic Zoe Chambers arrives at the scene of an apparent suicide, she can’t help but draw parallels to the death of her great uncles several decades ago in the same barn. Meanwhile, Police Chief Pete Adams uncovers another tie to Zoe’s past in the investigation. Is the modern death a murder or a suicide? What is the connection to Zoe?
I’m sorry I waited so long to return to Zoe’s world, but it was fantastic to be back. Zoe and Pete really are co-leads in the series since they split time as our viewpoint characters. In this case, they both have sub-plots involving their parents, as well. The rest of the characters are just as fully developed as our leads. The plot is compelling, always pulling me in and making me reluctant to set the book down. The tone of the book is definitely more somber, and the smattering of language coupled with a few scenes on the edge of being graphic keep it on the traditional side of the spectrum. While not as light as many of the cozies I read, it is still wonderful reading.
I’m sorry I waited so long to return to Zoe’s world, but it was fantastic to be back. Zoe and Pete really are co-leads in the series since they split time as our viewpoint characters. In this case, they both have sub-plots involving their parents, as well. The rest of the characters are just as fully developed as our leads. The plot is compelling, always pulling me in and making me reluctant to set the book down. The tone of the book is definitely more somber, and the smattering of language coupled with a few scenes on the edge of being graphic keep it on the traditional side of the spectrum. While not as light as many of the cozies I read, it is still wonderful reading.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated a video of Tee and Mo in TV
Oct 29, 2019
My daughter loves it (2 more)
It's musical, it's sweet, it's not full of ridiculous themes.
It's not a traditional family, it's just Tee and Mo and it works. Every family is different so it's relevant.
It's so pleasant and sweet
Thought there must be some parents on here that would appreciate some children's TV programs and I've done some of the work finding good ones!
Firstly, it's quite a calm and chilled show which is fab for towards the end of the day. It doesn't have much dialogue, it has a narrator and the characters say names but other than that it's mostly monkey noises (obviously because they're monkeys lol). I think that's why my daughter (14 months old) love it so much, it's not in your face chatting away. It's got leasons to learn in each episode that which is cute and it's NOT ANNOYING.
Sooooo many kids shows are a nightmare and are so annoying but this one is so chilled and nice I actually like putting it on. Definitely think if parents want to try something new for the kids, try this.
Firstly, it's quite a calm and chilled show which is fab for towards the end of the day. It doesn't have much dialogue, it has a narrator and the characters say names but other than that it's mostly monkey noises (obviously because they're monkeys lol). I think that's why my daughter (14 months old) love it so much, it's not in your face chatting away. It's got leasons to learn in each episode that which is cute and it's NOT ANNOYING.
Sooooo many kids shows are a nightmare and are so annoying but this one is so chilled and nice I actually like putting it on. Definitely think if parents want to try something new for the kids, try this.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Glass (2019) in Movies
Jan 22, 2019 (Updated Jan 22, 2019)
More Than Half Empty
Long-awaited sequel to Unbreakable; also not-quite-so-long-awaited sequel to Split, as M Night Shyamalan's various superheroes and villains assemble in a nuthouse: roll-call includes Bruce Willis (special power: being, um, unbreakable), James McAvoy (special power: one of his multiple personalities is a bit of an animal), and Samuel L Jackson (special power: being older than his own mum - it's true, I checked Wikipedia).
Starts off very promisingly but soon collapses into a saggy and self-indulgent mess in the traditional Shyamalan style; many long-winded scenes and much mysto-babble. Another bravura performance from McAvoy, and Jackson (when he finally turns up) carves himself a thick slice of ham, but the consequence of this is that Bruce Willis mostly vanishes into the background. The climax is remarkably portentous considering it's mostly just two guys wrestling each other fairly clumsily in a car park. Not sure three half-assed plot twists add up to a decent ending. All in all, a curious attempt to make a superhero movie in the style of a horror film, but ultimately rather disappointing given the potential and the talent involved.
Starts off very promisingly but soon collapses into a saggy and self-indulgent mess in the traditional Shyamalan style; many long-winded scenes and much mysto-babble. Another bravura performance from McAvoy, and Jackson (when he finally turns up) carves himself a thick slice of ham, but the consequence of this is that Bruce Willis mostly vanishes into the background. The climax is remarkably portentous considering it's mostly just two guys wrestling each other fairly clumsily in a car park. Not sure three half-assed plot twists add up to a decent ending. All in all, a curious attempt to make a superhero movie in the style of a horror film, but ultimately rather disappointing given the potential and the talent involved.
jd2105 (10 KP) rated Valley of the Kings: Last Rites in Tabletop Games
Mar 21, 2020
Strategic Unique Deck Building Game
Very interesting deckbuilding game. This game ventures away a little bit from traditional deckbuilding games. Available cards to purchase are arranged in a pyramid with only being able to purchase from the bottom row only. Making purchases from the bottom of the pyramid allow cards from the top of the pyramid to fall to the bottom of the pyramid for purchasing. Certain cards can change the rules as many games do, such as purchasing cards any where on the pyramid.
Entombing is a new feature to this genre of games that really sets this deckbuilder apart from the rest. Entombing is actually set collecting within this deckbuilder. To entomb a card you simply put it aside in a pile to no longer use for the rest of the game. By entombing a card you can not use it's value for purchasing or it's special actions.
End game is based on how many cards you have entombed. The more sets you collect the more vp you score.
This game works best with 2-3 in my opinion, however this one of my favorite go to solo games.
Entombing is a new feature to this genre of games that really sets this deckbuilder apart from the rest. Entombing is actually set collecting within this deckbuilder. To entomb a card you simply put it aside in a pile to no longer use for the rest of the game. By entombing a card you can not use it's value for purchasing or it's special actions.
End game is based on how many cards you have entombed. The more sets you collect the more vp you score.
This game works best with 2-3 in my opinion, however this one of my favorite go to solo games.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Midnight Meat Train (2008) in Movies
Feb 15, 2020
Not as bad as it sounds
I watched this many years ago and could remember nothing about it, so decided to give it a go again as I noticed it on Amazon. It's not the best film, but is vaguely promising and not as bad as it sounds.
This is a horror film that decides to forego any traditional scares and creeps and just go for full on gore. This mostly works as some of the blood and gore in this is brilliant, however it is spoilt a little by some pretty poor CGI. If they had left out this CGI and some wannabe 3D moments then I might have rated this a tiny bit higher, as the CGI really is that bad. It's a rather basic plot but effective and I've always had a soft spot for Bradley Coooper. Vinnie Jones is alright and vaguely menacing although personally I think they could've found someone slightly more threatening. I'm rather glad that he barely opened his mouth for the entire film, as his accent definitely would've spoilt things!
Overall this is a fairly decent watchable horror, and much better than some of the more recent jump scares based ones.
This is a horror film that decides to forego any traditional scares and creeps and just go for full on gore. This mostly works as some of the blood and gore in this is brilliant, however it is spoilt a little by some pretty poor CGI. If they had left out this CGI and some wannabe 3D moments then I might have rated this a tiny bit higher, as the CGI really is that bad. It's a rather basic plot but effective and I've always had a soft spot for Bradley Coooper. Vinnie Jones is alright and vaguely menacing although personally I think they could've found someone slightly more threatening. I'm rather glad that he barely opened his mouth for the entire film, as his accent definitely would've spoilt things!
Overall this is a fairly decent watchable horror, and much better than some of the more recent jump scares based ones.
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