Search
Search results
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Goodreads: Book Reviews in Apps
Nov 3, 2017
Fantastic for book worms
For anyone who loves to read, this app is a must. It has a very friendly user interface that lets you keep track of the books you read and also those of your friends, as well as quick and easy ratings and reviews.
I love that it gives you the option to choose books to add to your "to read" list and it does well in tracking the ones you're currently reading and the dates when you start and finish. Very helpfully, it also gives you the option to create your own shelves and I use this to keep track of the books I own - very useful!
Other features too work well, like reading suggestions, groups and even the Goodreads book awards. My favourite feature those is the Goodreads book challenge. It's such a fun thing to set yourself a reading challenge for the year and it easily tracks your books to make sure you're on track.
The app works really well, especially on Android, although my only criticism is that sometimes the search functionality doesn't bring back the results you'd immediately expect based on your criteria.
I love that it gives you the option to choose books to add to your "to read" list and it does well in tracking the ones you're currently reading and the dates when you start and finish. Very helpfully, it also gives you the option to create your own shelves and I use this to keep track of the books I own - very useful!
Other features too work well, like reading suggestions, groups and even the Goodreads book awards. My favourite feature those is the Goodreads book challenge. It's such a fun thing to set yourself a reading challenge for the year and it easily tracks your books to make sure you're on track.
The app works really well, especially on Android, although my only criticism is that sometimes the search functionality doesn't bring back the results you'd immediately expect based on your criteria.
Ally (3 KP) rated Throne of Glass in Books
Jun 27, 2017
Storyline (2 more)
Character development
Well written
Well written and compelling
Without giving spoilers on the story, this is a well crafted tale of a young girl, arrogant and skilled who is more than how she is initially portrayed. As the book continues I found myself becoming well attached to characters, and Sarah J. Mass did what all writers aspire to do, which is make the reader NEED to know what happens next. This book weaves action, romance, friendship, trust, fantasy and deception throughout and I admit I didn't have to think twice before instantly purchasing the next book of the series once I had quickly finished Throne of Glass. All in all, an enjoyable experience, and one I hope to continue throughout the series.
To explain my negative comment above, it was only when I purchased the second book and on browsing the contents page, that I found a pronunciation guide. I had been imagining different ways of saying certain names and had to re imagine them when beginning the next book. A guide, such as the one found in the second, would have been useful in Throne of Glass.
To explain my negative comment above, it was only when I purchased the second book and on browsing the contents page, that I found a pronunciation guide. I had been imagining different ways of saying certain names and had to re imagine them when beginning the next book. A guide, such as the one found in the second, would have been useful in Throne of Glass.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Blemished (Blemished, #1) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
I received this book as a give away as part of a compilation [Shattered Worlds]. I have decided to give each book it's own review as I finish them to give the authors their due.
The Ministry had genetically created the perfect person. The are called GEMs and the rule society. Those who were not created perfect are called "Blemished" and are used as slaves for the upper class. Not all blemished are happy with this situation. Mina has a special gift that could help her but also be very dangerous to herself and those she loves. She will do anything to protect them and herself, as well as avoid the "operation" that all blemished girls get so they can not have children but often drives them mad as well. Secrets are kept, laws broken, lives risked and saved all fro freedom.
This was a well written novel. I could have done without the love triangle aspect because I thing that has been over done especially in YA literature and the characters were a little predictable. Overall the story flowed well and the action kept the plot moving along.
The Ministry had genetically created the perfect person. The are called GEMs and the rule society. Those who were not created perfect are called "Blemished" and are used as slaves for the upper class. Not all blemished are happy with this situation. Mina has a special gift that could help her but also be very dangerous to herself and those she loves. She will do anything to protect them and herself, as well as avoid the "operation" that all blemished girls get so they can not have children but often drives them mad as well. Secrets are kept, laws broken, lives risked and saved all fro freedom.
This was a well written novel. I could have done without the love triangle aspect because I thing that has been over done especially in YA literature and the characters were a little predictable. Overall the story flowed well and the action kept the plot moving along.
ClareR (5726 KP) rated The Poison Bed in Books
Jun 17, 2018
Murder and Intrigue in the Jacobean Court.
Based on a true story, this is set in the Court of James I of England and Wales (James VI of Scotland). Robert Carr is a favourite of the King. There has long been much discussion about how far his favouritism went, and about how he possibly had homosexual tendencies.
Anyway, this story is based around the true story of how Frances Howard and her husband Robert Carr were charged with the murder of Thomas Overbury, and kept in the Tower of London for quite some time. This whole story illustrates the power of the Howards (particularly Frances' Great Uncle) and the intrigue of the Royal Court. Everyone has great aspirations, and will do whatever it takes to achieve them.
The characters, I felt, were well drawn and either unpleasant or terribly naive - no middle ground. I do like historical fiction, especially when it appears to be well researched, as this does. It's important to give the characters life as well, and that's what this book does really well. An exciting, intriguing story. Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the publisher for the chance to read this book.
Anyway, this story is based around the true story of how Frances Howard and her husband Robert Carr were charged with the murder of Thomas Overbury, and kept in the Tower of London for quite some time. This whole story illustrates the power of the Howards (particularly Frances' Great Uncle) and the intrigue of the Royal Court. Everyone has great aspirations, and will do whatever it takes to achieve them.
The characters, I felt, were well drawn and either unpleasant or terribly naive - no middle ground. I do like historical fiction, especially when it appears to be well researched, as this does. It's important to give the characters life as well, and that's what this book does really well. An exciting, intriguing story. Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the publisher for the chance to read this book.
Sam (228 KP) rated Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) in Movies
Oct 19, 2019
Character Development (2 more)
Amazing Fight Scenes
Charming Plot
Teen Rom-Com With A Superhero Twist
Here we seem to have two separate movies mixed into one. On the one hand we have this adorable romantic comedy about two teens that go on a trip with their class overseas. On the other we have our class superhero movie with Spiderman facing off against the villian and coming into his own as a hero. Both of these not only play well but were also well combined to formulate this movie.
I enjoyed the whimsical performance of Spiderman and for once didn't feel as though the humor was overdone with his classmates. Meanwhile, on the heroics side, I adored the organized fight scenes as well as how the shots were set up. Considering this film also takes place after the heavily emotional Endgame I found the balance between the humor and seriousness to also fit well without either being overdone or feeling out of place.
As someone who isn't a huge Spiderman fan I actually found myself enjoying the film and would recommend it for any family movie night.
I enjoyed the whimsical performance of Spiderman and for once didn't feel as though the humor was overdone with his classmates. Meanwhile, on the heroics side, I adored the organized fight scenes as well as how the shots were set up. Considering this film also takes place after the heavily emotional Endgame I found the balance between the humor and seriousness to also fit well without either being overdone or feeling out of place.
As someone who isn't a huge Spiderman fan I actually found myself enjoying the film and would recommend it for any family movie night.
Shipping: An Introduction to the Technical, Operational and Commercial Aspects
Book
Shipping: An Introduction to the Technical, Operational and Commercial Aspects is a comprehensive...
Awix (3310 KP) rated Viy (Spirit of Evil) (1967) in Movies
Sep 21, 2021
Soviet horror movie from the 1960s rather unexpectedly turns out to be a close spiritual cousin of the kind of films that Hammer et al were making in the west at the same time. A trainee priest finds himself compelled to spend three nights reading prayers over the body of (supposedly) a wealthy landowner's daughter - but the corpse bears a striking resemblance to that of a witch he earlier killed...
Not the longest of films, which is just as well as the pacing may require patience on the part of the viewer; after a very eerie sequence early on, there's a long wait until the stuff with the protagonist's vigil in the second half. Nevertheless, it's worth it, mainly because the special effects are remarkably good, well up to the standard of equivalent western films of the same period (and probably better). Not particularly scary or graphic by modern standards, but the climax has a creepy sort of power to it and the overall impression is of a classy and well-made film; if there's a political subtext to it, it's very well-hidden.
Not the longest of films, which is just as well as the pacing may require patience on the part of the viewer; after a very eerie sequence early on, there's a long wait until the stuff with the protagonist's vigil in the second half. Nevertheless, it's worth it, mainly because the special effects are remarkably good, well up to the standard of equivalent western films of the same period (and probably better). Not particularly scary or graphic by modern standards, but the climax has a creepy sort of power to it and the overall impression is of a classy and well-made film; if there's a political subtext to it, it's very well-hidden.
David McK (3425 KP) rated Exile (The Last Roman #1) in Books
Feb 12, 2023
Well.
That was unexpected.
I actually came across this via an ad on FB (marketing does work!), where it was described as 'Jason Bourne' meets Highlander.
That's actually not all that bad a description.
This is presented chapter about with the 'present day' portion of the tale and the historical parts, with the main character of Marcus - the soldier who put his spear into the side of Jesus Christ whilst he was on the cross - cursed with immortality as a result.
He's not the only immortal: there's also another group, all with links to the same 'original' period of time (I don't want to say too much and give stuff away) living through history as well.
Well, when I say immortal they're not quite immortal: they can be killed for good, but it has to be extreme: a shooting won't do it, say, but being burnt at the stake would ...
Anyway, perhaps the best compliment I can give this is that, after reading it through Kindle Unlimited, I then actually went back and purchased the ebook 'proper', as well as the next in the series.
That was unexpected.
I actually came across this via an ad on FB (marketing does work!), where it was described as 'Jason Bourne' meets Highlander.
That's actually not all that bad a description.
This is presented chapter about with the 'present day' portion of the tale and the historical parts, with the main character of Marcus - the soldier who put his spear into the side of Jesus Christ whilst he was on the cross - cursed with immortality as a result.
He's not the only immortal: there's also another group, all with links to the same 'original' period of time (I don't want to say too much and give stuff away) living through history as well.
Well, when I say immortal they're not quite immortal: they can be killed for good, but it has to be extreme: a shooting won't do it, say, but being burnt at the stake would ...
Anyway, perhaps the best compliment I can give this is that, after reading it through Kindle Unlimited, I then actually went back and purchased the ebook 'proper', as well as the next in the series.
Book Divas (227 KP) rated The November Girl in Books
Dec 11, 2017
A Well Written Story with Stunning Characters
The November Girl is beautiful and yet a dark and eerily haunting story. I felt both a warm and cold embrace as I found myself falling into this tale that kept me second guessing myself not only with Hector but also with Anda as well. I would often stop reading so I could close my eyes and envision what Anda would look like and many times I scared myself because I could see her raw power as she was a force to be reckoned with. Hector brought out the motherly side of me and I just wanted to put my arms around him and reassure him that he was safe.
This was a well-written story with absolutely stunning characters and this tale will haunt me for a very long time.
This was a well-written story with absolutely stunning characters and this tale will haunt me for a very long time.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated Never Let You Go in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Having never read any of Chevy Stevens books before, I didnt know what to expect but having read the description, I thought I would give it a go and I wasnt disappointed.
This is a fast paced, chilling read with twists that are well-thought out, well developed and believable. Domestic abuse is a difficult subject to write about sensitively and without sensationalism and Chevy does this very well whilst not losing any of the suspense, darkness and fear that comes with living in a very poisonous and controlling relationship.
With great characters and a great story-line, I found this a highly addictive read from start to finish and I will definitely be checking out her other books.
I want to thank the publisher (Little, Brown Book Group UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
This is a fast paced, chilling read with twists that are well-thought out, well developed and believable. Domestic abuse is a difficult subject to write about sensitively and without sensationalism and Chevy does this very well whilst not losing any of the suspense, darkness and fear that comes with living in a very poisonous and controlling relationship.
With great characters and a great story-line, I found this a highly addictive read from start to finish and I will definitely be checking out her other books.
I want to thank the publisher (Little, Brown Book Group UK) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) Nov 3, 2017