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Kaysee Hood (83 KP) rated Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor in Books
Nov 20, 2017 (Updated Nov 21, 2017)
Still Sassy (1 more)
Gender-Fluid Alex
Abusive Elf Dad (3 more)
Loki
Ragnarok
Betrayal
So, I'll be honest and say I read this book back when it came out (Oct. 2016) and do not quite remember how I felt in terms of words about the second Magnus Chase book, but I can say I did enjoy this book as much as the first one.
We're able to gain a bit more insight to the main characters and be introduced to a non-binary character, which is interesting with the events going on right now with people figuring out who they are. Alex is well written without appearing as an icon to change views, simply to open the minds and introduce the reader to them.
Hearthstone's past comes into play rather largely when they have to go to his childhood home to obtain an important item for their quest. It kind of brings light to why the Elf is the way he is. The gang uncovers he plays a rather great role I will not spoil because you need to read the book.
To sum up what I do recall, the goal is to prevent Loki from escaping his bonds. A wetstone and sword must be found to do this. Sam is also being forced into an arrange marriage by Loki to a giant (very rude if you ask me considering she is already in one she is VERY happy with).
Read the second book if you liked the first one.
We're able to gain a bit more insight to the main characters and be introduced to a non-binary character, which is interesting with the events going on right now with people figuring out who they are. Alex is well written without appearing as an icon to change views, simply to open the minds and introduce the reader to them.
Hearthstone's past comes into play rather largely when they have to go to his childhood home to obtain an important item for their quest. It kind of brings light to why the Elf is the way he is. The gang uncovers he plays a rather great role I will not spoil because you need to read the book.
To sum up what I do recall, the goal is to prevent Loki from escaping his bonds. A wetstone and sword must be found to do this. Sam is also being forced into an arrange marriage by Loki to a giant (very rude if you ask me considering she is already in one she is VERY happy with).
Read the second book if you liked the first one.
An uncomfortable, yet compelling, novel
On the face of it, you would think that Adèle has it all: a good job as a reporter, a handsome surgeon husband, a young son, she’s slim and she’s beautiful. But this all masks another side to Adèle. She’s dissatisfied with her life: she controls what and how much she eats, and she engages in risky sexual behaviour with strangers. The sex is an addiction. When she’s not doing it, she’s thinking about it, and she wants a lot of it. There’s no eroticism in the telling of these encounters - it’s function, pure and simple, and quite violent sometimes. It’s like the drug addict getting their hit. You can feel the self-loathing emanating from the pages.
This is a dark, uncomfortable to read book, but it’s also compelling. There’s nothing voyeuristic about this book, no titillation, it’s just sad. And if you’re into books with a final resolution, then this is not the book for you.
It sounds as though no one could possibly enjoy this book, but strangely enough, I really did. I thought that the atmosphere of the book was really well written (and kudos to the excellent translator, Sam Taylor), and the main characters feelings of being trapped made for a really claustrophobic read. I think it’s definitely worth a read, if you’re in the mood for something as, dare I say, depressing, as this. I use the word ‘depressing’, but honestly, it was a good read!
This is a dark, uncomfortable to read book, but it’s also compelling. There’s nothing voyeuristic about this book, no titillation, it’s just sad. And if you’re into books with a final resolution, then this is not the book for you.
It sounds as though no one could possibly enjoy this book, but strangely enough, I really did. I thought that the atmosphere of the book was really well written (and kudos to the excellent translator, Sam Taylor), and the main characters feelings of being trapped made for a really claustrophobic read. I think it’s definitely worth a read, if you’re in the mood for something as, dare I say, depressing, as this. I use the word ‘depressing’, but honestly, it was a good read!
Goddess in the Stacks (553 KP) rated Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood in Books
Feb 8, 2018
A highly entertaining account of an unusual childhood
I read this book, though I'd really like to listen to the audio book version. It's narrated by Trevor Noah himself, and apparently very, very good. I totally believe that - the man is hilarious on The Daily Show. I still really enjoyed the stories Noah told, though I wish he'd gotten more into his journey as a comedian, and not just his childhood and teenage years.
Noah has an uncanny way of explaining background information that you need to know while not giving away the (actually somewhat obvious in hindsight) punchline. Even the background information is told in an extremely entertaining way - you can feel Noah's everpresent grin through the pages. Even though the book begins (and sort of ends) on a sad note, the book itself is a happy, optimistic one. I didn't laugh myself silly, like the next book I read (Jenny Lawson's Furiously Happy), but I did have to giggle and read parts to my husband. (And he actually laughed at them, instead of looking at me like I was insane, which is what happened with Furiously Happy.)
I've been a fan of Trevor Noah's since shortly after he took over The Daily Show, and this was an interesting peek at his background, and the very different culture he grew up in. I highly recommend this book.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Noah has an uncanny way of explaining background information that you need to know while not giving away the (actually somewhat obvious in hindsight) punchline. Even the background information is told in an extremely entertaining way - you can feel Noah's everpresent grin through the pages. Even though the book begins (and sort of ends) on a sad note, the book itself is a happy, optimistic one. I didn't laugh myself silly, like the next book I read (Jenny Lawson's Furiously Happy), but I did have to giggle and read parts to my husband. (And he actually laughed at them, instead of looking at me like I was insane, which is what happened with Furiously Happy.)
I've been a fan of Trevor Noah's since shortly after he took over The Daily Show, and this was an interesting peek at his background, and the very different culture he grew up in. I highly recommend this book.
You can find all my reviews at http://goddessinthestacks.wordpress.com
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2456 KP) rated City of Secrets in Books
Nov 14, 2018
Can Elizabeth Uncover Secrets to Help a Friend
Elizabeth Miles is attempting to give up her former life as the female in a group of conmen and fit into high society in order to prepare for her marriage to young lawyer Gideon Bates. Part of that involves attending church on Sundays, and it is at church that she has met Priscilla, a recent widow who is one of the few people Elizabeth considers a friend in her new life. One day Priscilla comes to Elizabeth for help since she has just learned that her recently deceased second husband has left her broke. Priscilla knows there should be more money. Can Elizabeth figure out what happened?
If you haven't started this great new series, I do recommend you back up to the first since it sets up so much of Elizabeth and her life in 1910's New York City. Since this is only book two in the series, it's still very easy to get caught up. When you do, you'll find yourself caught up in another fun caper. I did feel the pacing was a bit off early on, but it soon picked up and by the end, it was impossible to put down. This isn't a traditional mystery, although it still firmly fits in the crime fiction family. The characters are all strong, and they help make the final third of the book very compelling for us.
If you haven't started this great new series, I do recommend you back up to the first since it sets up so much of Elizabeth and her life in 1910's New York City. Since this is only book two in the series, it's still very easy to get caught up. When you do, you'll find yourself caught up in another fun caper. I did feel the pacing was a bit off early on, but it soon picked up and by the end, it was impossible to put down. This isn't a traditional mystery, although it still firmly fits in the crime fiction family. The characters are all strong, and they help make the final third of the book very compelling for us.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Pet Sematary (2019) in Movies
Nov 30, 2019 (Updated Nov 30, 2019)
I don't read
I don't watch a lot of remakes, especially horror remakes, especially modern horror remakes, but on the advice of a friend, I thought I would give it a try.
If you want to start an argument with me, please say the book is better simply because it is different the film. I double dare you. Books and movies are different mediums, therefore, certain elements may lend themselves to one medium better than the other. Did you really want to see young Beverly Marsh have an orgy with the other It kids right after their conquest of Pennywise (or something like that)? I didn't think so. Sometimes changing things is all right and not automatically bad just because it is different!
OK got that off my chest! 😌
So it was 80-90% the same as the 1989 version? That was all right with me this time around. The acting and use of modern CGI effects were good and fit this film well. The CGI was not overused, so my usual complaint about that is unfounded this time. The major plot change for this film I felt was a great idea and kept the audience confused as to them already thinking they knew what was going to happen during that one particular scene.
The ending was somewhat gruesome, but this is a horror movie after all so I enjoyed it.
If you want to start an argument with me, please say the book is better simply because it is different the film. I double dare you. Books and movies are different mediums, therefore, certain elements may lend themselves to one medium better than the other. Did you really want to see young Beverly Marsh have an orgy with the other It kids right after their conquest of Pennywise (or something like that)? I didn't think so. Sometimes changing things is all right and not automatically bad just because it is different!
OK got that off my chest! 😌
So it was 80-90% the same as the 1989 version? That was all right with me this time around. The acting and use of modern CGI effects were good and fit this film well. The CGI was not overused, so my usual complaint about that is unfounded this time. The major plot change for this film I felt was a great idea and kept the audience confused as to them already thinking they knew what was going to happen during that one particular scene.
The ending was somewhat gruesome, but this is a horror movie after all so I enjoyed it.
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TravelersWife4Life (31 KP) rated Never an Amish Bride in Books
Feb 24, 2021
Ever heard the saying once you read one you have read them all? Well, that is what my husband told me when he saw that I was reading an Amish book. He said, “How many differences can you see in the Amish, isn’t the point that the Amish are plain, as in nothing ever happens with them?”. I dropped my book. Case in point, Never an Amish Bride by Ophelia London.
This book is the first in a series and I loved the introduction to all the characters. This Never an Amish Bride is different and intriguing. I loved Ophelia London’ s character variations, their emotions were realistic and not over-dramatized, and the conflicts were believable. Both Lucas and Esther were engaging characters that I loved reading about. Ophelia London engaged my emotions in this book and appealed to my heart.
The main themes of this book are Faith, Trust, and Forgiveness. Ophelia London did a great job of showing those themes through the eyes of her characters. I particularly liked how Lucas handled the trials he went through; I wish I could handle situations as well as him.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative characters, the interesting storyline, and for making me look forward to the next book in the series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
This book is the first in a series and I loved the introduction to all the characters. This Never an Amish Bride is different and intriguing. I loved Ophelia London’ s character variations, their emotions were realistic and not over-dramatized, and the conflicts were believable. Both Lucas and Esther were engaging characters that I loved reading about. Ophelia London engaged my emotions in this book and appealed to my heart.
The main themes of this book are Faith, Trust, and Forgiveness. Ophelia London did a great job of showing those themes through the eyes of her characters. I particularly liked how Lucas handled the trials he went through; I wish I could handle situations as well as him.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the creative characters, the interesting storyline, and for making me look forward to the next book in the series.
*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
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