Search
Search results
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Swallows in Books
Jan 30, 2020 (Updated Jan 31, 2020)
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Lisa Lutz's latest, The Swallows, introduces Alex Witt, a teacher with a past. She is hired at Stonebridge Academy and asks her creative writing students to answer innocent questions so she can get to know them. "What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?" The answers surprise Alex. They are not innocent and reveal much more about the students and the school's activities than she expects. The students reveal online bullying and a private message board. She encourages the female students to fight back and fight they do.
While I have not worked at a boarding school, I have worked at urban schools. The online bullying and message board are all too real. So is the school's attitude that "boys will be boys". Lutz uses her characters to show the dark side of technology and teenagers. This is not a young adult book. It is a book for adults which is set in a school.
The writing in The Swallows is witty while covering dark topics. Lutz's word choices and writing style keep the book from being too dark.
I added several of Lutz's books, including the Spellman Files series, to my "want to read" list.
This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 1/30/20.
Joe Goodhart (27 KP) rated Fables: Volume 1: Legends in Exile in Books
Nov 30, 2020
<i>Ed. Note: this review was based on a re-reading, some years after the first reading.</i>
So, prior to writing this review, I wanted to peruse the reviews on here, to see what others said, reducing the risk of writing something already said. What I found were a number of 1-Star reviews, something I found to be quite surprising!
Not every comic (or book, for that matter) will necessarily start with an amazing first arc. It may be good, yes, but it could also be polished in spots. However, despite little things that could be better, the overall content should be seen as good enough to warrant reading the second story arc.
That is how I felt at the conclusion of this first volume, a mystery of sorts that also served to introduce us to a number of characters who go on to appear as series regulars. Sure, the dialogue was not perfect (really? Comparing it to Gaiman's SANDMAN? Like trying to compare RICK & MORTY to THE LAST UNICORN!), but I can safely say that the series matures, like a well-aged wine, and later issues are much, much better.
Long and short: it's an urban fantasy with the fables we grew up with. Go in without an judgments or comparisons, and you might be pleasantly surprised. Jus' sayin'..
So, prior to writing this review, I wanted to peruse the reviews on here, to see what others said, reducing the risk of writing something already said. What I found were a number of 1-Star reviews, something I found to be quite surprising!
Not every comic (or book, for that matter) will necessarily start with an amazing first arc. It may be good, yes, but it could also be polished in spots. However, despite little things that could be better, the overall content should be seen as good enough to warrant reading the second story arc.
That is how I felt at the conclusion of this first volume, a mystery of sorts that also served to introduce us to a number of characters who go on to appear as series regulars. Sure, the dialogue was not perfect (really? Comparing it to Gaiman's SANDMAN? Like trying to compare RICK & MORTY to THE LAST UNICORN!), but I can safely say that the series matures, like a well-aged wine, and later issues are much, much better.
Long and short: it's an urban fantasy with the fables we grew up with. Go in without an judgments or comparisons, and you might be pleasantly surprised. Jus' sayin'..
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Divergent in Books
Dec 1, 2023
182 of 235
Book
Divergent ( Book 1)
By Veronica Roth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One choice can transform you. Pass initiation. Do not fail!
Thrilling urban dystopian fiction debut from exciting young author. In sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior's world, society is divided into five factions -- Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) -- each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue, in the attempt to form a "perfect society." At the age of sixteen, teens must choose the faction to which they will devote their lives. On her Choosing Day, Beatrice renames herself Tris, rejects her family's group, and chooses another faction. After surviving a brutal initiation, Tris finds romance with a super-hot boy, but also discovers unrest and growing conflict in their seemingly "perfect society." To survive and save those they love, they must use their strengths to uncover the truths about their identities, their families, and the order of their society itself.
I absolutely loved this book I did not put it down! It was just so easy to read and I loved everything about it. I like the film but hated Triss but in the book she is much more likeable. Really enjoyed it! How has it taken me this long to read it I’ll never know!
Book
Divergent ( Book 1)
By Veronica Roth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
One choice can transform you. Pass initiation. Do not fail!
Thrilling urban dystopian fiction debut from exciting young author. In sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior's world, society is divided into five factions -- Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) -- each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue, in the attempt to form a "perfect society." At the age of sixteen, teens must choose the faction to which they will devote their lives. On her Choosing Day, Beatrice renames herself Tris, rejects her family's group, and chooses another faction. After surviving a brutal initiation, Tris finds romance with a super-hot boy, but also discovers unrest and growing conflict in their seemingly "perfect society." To survive and save those they love, they must use their strengths to uncover the truths about their identities, their families, and the order of their society itself.
I absolutely loved this book I did not put it down! It was just so easy to read and I loved everything about it. I like the film but hated Triss but in the book she is much more likeable. Really enjoyed it! How has it taken me this long to read it I’ll never know!
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated The Boys in TV
Jul 7, 2020
A Gritty Superhero Drama With Equal Parts Dark Comedy, Blood And Violence
The Boys is a 2019 black comedy/action/superhero/drama web tv series developed by Eric Kripke for Amazon. It was produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon Studios, Kripke Enterprises, Point Grey Pictures, Original Film, Kickstart Entertainment and KFL Knightsky Productions. Executive producters on the show include Erick Kripke, Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, Neal H. Moritz, Pavun Shetty, Ori Marmur, Dan Trachtenberg, Ken. F. Levin and Jason Netter. The series stars actors Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Anthony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Dominique McElligot and Jessie T. Usher.
Hugh "Hughie" Campbell (Jack Quaid) is a regular guy living in a city where superpowered people are recognized as heroes by the general public and owned by a powerful corporation Vought International, which markets and monetizes them. Outside of their heroic personas, these heroes are arrogant and corrupt, none more so than the Seven, Vought's premier superhero team. After his girlfriend is killed by A-Train (Jessie T. Usher), one of the Seven, Hughie is sought out by Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), a man who despises all superpowered people, and whose goal is to "spank the bastards when they get out of line".
This show is awesome. I was blown away by how much I liked it and binged watched it in one day. It reminded me of Watchmen a little bit in how it was a darker version of a superhero world. I really liked how it balanced the dark comedy with the violence and pacing of the plot. It was incredibly violent though, with lots of blood and gore. The acting was really good too with the actors being believable in their roles. I enjoyed the character development from several of the characters like Hughie and Starlight. Even the Deep, who I disliked was able to make me feel sorry for him in a couple of parts. The special effects were pretty top notch and I hardly noticed anything I didn't think fit or stuck out in a wrong way. The twists in the plot as the story progressed really kept me into it. It also had a lot of emotional scenes that I didn't think it would. There were a couple of things that bothered me like when a character acted out of character or did something that I didn't understand their motivations, and also the weird relationship between Homelander and Madelynn Stillwell. The latter of which you have more understanding towards the end. The only thing that really disappointed me was that there were only 8 episodes for the season. I almost gave this show a 9 but like I said there were a couple of things that I didn't like with it, still I give this show a 8/10. It also gets my "Must See Seal Of Approval". You really got to check this show out if you haven't seen it.
Hugh "Hughie" Campbell (Jack Quaid) is a regular guy living in a city where superpowered people are recognized as heroes by the general public and owned by a powerful corporation Vought International, which markets and monetizes them. Outside of their heroic personas, these heroes are arrogant and corrupt, none more so than the Seven, Vought's premier superhero team. After his girlfriend is killed by A-Train (Jessie T. Usher), one of the Seven, Hughie is sought out by Billy Butcher (Karl Urban), a man who despises all superpowered people, and whose goal is to "spank the bastards when they get out of line".
This show is awesome. I was blown away by how much I liked it and binged watched it in one day. It reminded me of Watchmen a little bit in how it was a darker version of a superhero world. I really liked how it balanced the dark comedy with the violence and pacing of the plot. It was incredibly violent though, with lots of blood and gore. The acting was really good too with the actors being believable in their roles. I enjoyed the character development from several of the characters like Hughie and Starlight. Even the Deep, who I disliked was able to make me feel sorry for him in a couple of parts. The special effects were pretty top notch and I hardly noticed anything I didn't think fit or stuck out in a wrong way. The twists in the plot as the story progressed really kept me into it. It also had a lot of emotional scenes that I didn't think it would. There were a couple of things that bothered me like when a character acted out of character or did something that I didn't understand their motivations, and also the weird relationship between Homelander and Madelynn Stillwell. The latter of which you have more understanding towards the end. The only thing that really disappointed me was that there were only 8 episodes for the season. I almost gave this show a 9 but like I said there were a couple of things that I didn't like with it, still I give this show a 8/10. It also gets my "Must See Seal Of Approval". You really got to check this show out if you haven't seen it.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Red Hot Fury (Shades of Fury, #1) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
For about the first forty pages, RED HOT FURY has a rocky start, but after it gets over that hump it's a worthwhile read. The Furies are an interesting breed that brings a welcome change from all the vampires, weres, witches, et al. to the urban fantasy genre, and the author adds her own spin to the species. Marissa, or rather Riss, is a tough, sarcastic, sure-of-herself character that won't appeal to everyone, but if you like them more on the gritty side then she might be the heroine for you. The world is interesting and there are good ideas, which includes Greek, Egyptian, and European mythology, but unfortunately the execution could have been better. Sometimes I was confused by explanations of the world, organizations, magic, etc., all of which, at times, were vague and periodically the dialogue fell flat. Adding to that, there was an unnecessary number of action scenes and a few too many characters to keep completely straight. However, there were some nice twists and turns, and although I saw the big reveal coming a mile away, I enjoyed the book and will look for the second in the series. Hopefully, all the kinks will be ironed out for that one. It's not quite a 4-star book, but a little better than a 3, so I'll settle for 3.5 stars.
Provided to me free for review through Amazon Vine.
Provided to me free for review through Amazon Vine.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Stalking the Unicorn: A Fable of Tonight in Books
Feb 15, 2019
What do you get when you cross a down-on-his-luck private eye, a randy elf, a femme feline, a miniature horse, and a whole host of other oddball characters? Well, if you answered, "The book this review is about, you dolt," or something to that effect, then congratulations, you are right (and slightly hurtful). You get a gold star.
<b>Stalking the Unicorn</b> instantly had me hooked with the appealing characters, interesting plot, and tongue-in-cheek humor. The story flowed well and at a nice, clipped pace for a good part of the book. Unfortunately, it fizzled out a little bit nearer the end and lost some of my interest. I think too much was revealed too soon and the book probably could have lost around thirty pages. However, the plot picked back up some of its steam at the end, which saved the book from being three stars. Altogether, this is an easy and fun read that's a good starter to a series, and which I look forward to the next installments. If you like absurd humor, zany dialogue, detective work, and an urban fantasy setting all mixed into one big stew, than you'll probably enjoy this book.
Fun fact: Mike Resnick is the father of author Laura Resnick. I picked both of their books up about the same time without realizing it until after I had read her first Esther Diamond book. :)
<b>Stalking the Unicorn</b> instantly had me hooked with the appealing characters, interesting plot, and tongue-in-cheek humor. The story flowed well and at a nice, clipped pace for a good part of the book. Unfortunately, it fizzled out a little bit nearer the end and lost some of my interest. I think too much was revealed too soon and the book probably could have lost around thirty pages. However, the plot picked back up some of its steam at the end, which saved the book from being three stars. Altogether, this is an easy and fun read that's a good starter to a series, and which I look forward to the next installments. If you like absurd humor, zany dialogue, detective work, and an urban fantasy setting all mixed into one big stew, than you'll probably enjoy this book.
Fun fact: Mike Resnick is the father of author Laura Resnick. I picked both of their books up about the same time without realizing it until after I had read her first Esther Diamond book. :)
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Tall Man in Books
May 22, 2019
They went looking for a story. What they found was a nightmare.
It started as nothing, just a scary story passed around between schoolchildren. But for Sadie and her friends, the rumours soon became an unhealthy obsession - and the darkness all too real.
Years later, Sadie's teenage daughter Amber has been charged with murder, and her trial shocks the world. How could such a young girl commit such a terrible crime?
It seems the secrets of Sadie's past have come back to haunt her daughter. And the terrifying truth of what happened all those years ago is finally about to come out . . .
The heart of the novel is the urban legend about the Tall Man who comes from the shadows to take daughters away.
There are three timelines: 1990 where three young girls make a pact with a scary man who loves in the woods, 2000 where a young, new mother disappears leaving behind her baby daughter and confused partner and 2018 where a teenage girl adjusts to life with her mother back in her life. The thing that connects them all is the scary man who lives in the woods.
This is a novel about what lurks in the shadows, and what are shadows if not shades of grey?
I thought this was a brilliant thriller.
Gripping with great characters and psychological suspense.
Recommend reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy.
It started as nothing, just a scary story passed around between schoolchildren. But for Sadie and her friends, the rumours soon became an unhealthy obsession - and the darkness all too real.
Years later, Sadie's teenage daughter Amber has been charged with murder, and her trial shocks the world. How could such a young girl commit such a terrible crime?
It seems the secrets of Sadie's past have come back to haunt her daughter. And the terrifying truth of what happened all those years ago is finally about to come out . . .
The heart of the novel is the urban legend about the Tall Man who comes from the shadows to take daughters away.
There are three timelines: 1990 where three young girls make a pact with a scary man who loves in the woods, 2000 where a young, new mother disappears leaving behind her baby daughter and confused partner and 2018 where a teenage girl adjusts to life with her mother back in her life. The thing that connects them all is the scary man who lives in the woods.
This is a novel about what lurks in the shadows, and what are shadows if not shades of grey?
I thought this was a brilliant thriller.
Gripping with great characters and psychological suspense.
Recommend reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy.
Bong Mines Entertainment (15 KP) rated See the Stars - Single by Adrian Jean in Music
Jun 6, 2019
Adrian Jean is an up-and-coming LA-based singer-songwriter from Philadelphia. Not too long ago, he released an inspiring R&B tune, entitled, “See the Stars (Radio Edit)”.
Adrian Jean was homeless for two and a half years unbeknownst to his friends and colleagues. He lived in his automobile underneath the famed Hollywood sign and showered at a nearby gym.
His grandmother sensed that something was wrong and begged her grandson to come home to the East Coast. But Adrian was determined to stay in L.A. to fulfill his musical dream.
Therefore, he continued writing songs while sleeping in the backseat, staring down at the lights of Los Angeles. One of the songs that he wrote, entitled, “See The Stars”, found Adrian negotiating leaving home despite his grandmother’s disapproval.
‘See the Stars (Radio Edit)’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and urban-soul elements.
Adrian Jean has led a tumultuous life which has taken him from the poorest neighborhoods in Philadelphia to glamorous nightclubs, to homelessness, and redemption.
With an absent father and a mother who was more interested in drugs than raising her children, Adrian was forced to grow up very quickly.
By the age of 15, he was living on his own and working for a drug dealer. Later, he struggled with the pressures of being a bisexual man in a culture that didn’t accept such differences.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/adrian-jean-see-the-stars/
Adrian Jean was homeless for two and a half years unbeknownst to his friends and colleagues. He lived in his automobile underneath the famed Hollywood sign and showered at a nearby gym.
His grandmother sensed that something was wrong and begged her grandson to come home to the East Coast. But Adrian was determined to stay in L.A. to fulfill his musical dream.
Therefore, he continued writing songs while sleeping in the backseat, staring down at the lights of Los Angeles. One of the songs that he wrote, entitled, “See The Stars”, found Adrian negotiating leaving home despite his grandmother’s disapproval.
‘See the Stars (Radio Edit)’ contains a relatable storyline, ear-welcoming vocals, and vibey instrumentation flavored with contemporary R&B and urban-soul elements.
Adrian Jean has led a tumultuous life which has taken him from the poorest neighborhoods in Philadelphia to glamorous nightclubs, to homelessness, and redemption.
With an absent father and a mother who was more interested in drugs than raising her children, Adrian was forced to grow up very quickly.
By the age of 15, he was living on his own and working for a drug dealer. Later, he struggled with the pressures of being a bisexual man in a culture that didn’t accept such differences.
https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/adrian-jean-see-the-stars/
Merissa (11805 KP) rated Skin Deep (Dark World, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Kailin works as a counselor at a Drug Rehab Centre but you don't actually spend much time there. Logan is a policeman working for Omega who deal with Paranormal incidences. Kailin ends up being in the middle of an Omega investigation as she makes her own inquiries.
Kailin is a brilliant main female as she states her case, doesn't back down but isn't stupid enough to continue championing something that is a lost cause already. She has relationship issues with family and friends but those she lets in, get close to her. Logan makes the perfect foil for Kailin. He is also young for his profession and has his own secrets and problems.
There is a lot of action in this book - drug issues, torture, disappearance to just name a few. It isn't all physical though - both Logan and Kailin have mental and emotional issues to work through. This is a 'busy' book, with a story that goes all the way through without any dull moments. Some of the things that happen you can guess but there is a lot that will leave you wondering just where out of left field it came from. There is also the hint and promise of romance that runs through it.
Thoroughly enjoyable and a definite page turner. Recommended for all Urban Fantasy/Paranormal fans out there.
Kailin works as a counselor at a Drug Rehab Centre but you don't actually spend much time there. Logan is a policeman working for Omega who deal with Paranormal incidences. Kailin ends up being in the middle of an Omega investigation as she makes her own inquiries.
Kailin is a brilliant main female as she states her case, doesn't back down but isn't stupid enough to continue championing something that is a lost cause already. She has relationship issues with family and friends but those she lets in, get close to her. Logan makes the perfect foil for Kailin. He is also young for his profession and has his own secrets and problems.
There is a lot of action in this book - drug issues, torture, disappearance to just name a few. It isn't all physical though - both Logan and Kailin have mental and emotional issues to work through. This is a 'busy' book, with a story that goes all the way through without any dull moments. Some of the things that happen you can guess but there is a lot that will leave you wondering just where out of left field it came from. There is also the hint and promise of romance that runs through it.
Thoroughly enjoyable and a definite page turner. Recommended for all Urban Fantasy/Paranormal fans out there.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Dirty Angels (Dirty Angels, #1) in Books
Mar 11, 2020
I bought this years ago, 2015 to be exact, and have put it off for a long time when my taste changed from New Adult to Young Adult and Urban Fantasy. I chose it as a challenge read on here so I would finally read it.
So this starts with a prologue. Luisa decides to run away from her abusive drug lord husband in the spur of the moment decision, only to be captured by the enemy. It then moves into Chapter One and we see how she came to be married to Salvador and how she came to be in Javier's captivity. Javier wants her as a hostage so he can negotiate for something Salvador has and the longer they spend around each other, the more they begin to understand each other and feelings emerge.
I'm not really into mafia/cartel books. I find them to be rather violent and prefer sweeter stories with some angst in them. There were some times in this when I just couldn't read all the description and just skipped entire paragraphs, especially the bit with Franco. I also skipped quite a bit towards the end just wanting that final showdown between Javier and Salvador.
I didn't really get their romance. I understand Luisa looking for any light in the blackness that she's living but I still thought Javi was a bit dark, though he did have some nice moments.
I won't be continuing the series.
So this starts with a prologue. Luisa decides to run away from her abusive drug lord husband in the spur of the moment decision, only to be captured by the enemy. It then moves into Chapter One and we see how she came to be married to Salvador and how she came to be in Javier's captivity. Javier wants her as a hostage so he can negotiate for something Salvador has and the longer they spend around each other, the more they begin to understand each other and feelings emerge.
I'm not really into mafia/cartel books. I find them to be rather violent and prefer sweeter stories with some angst in them. There were some times in this when I just couldn't read all the description and just skipped entire paragraphs, especially the bit with Franco. I also skipped quite a bit towards the end just wanting that final showdown between Javier and Salvador.
I didn't really get their romance. I understand Luisa looking for any light in the blackness that she's living but I still thought Javi was a bit dark, though he did have some nice moments.
I won't be continuing the series.