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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.
Kayleigh Garner (59 KP) rated Harley Merlin and the Mystery Twins in Books
Jun 10, 2019
This is the second instalment of the Harley Merlin series and I have to say, I'm still hooked! Usually a series can start to lose it's grip after the first book but this one is still really well written! Bella Forrest really seems to know how to keep readers intrigued.
One thing I really love is that Harley is still as fiery AF... even when all hope seems lost she just carries on being an utter badass. I just hope she keeps in getting better as the series goes on.
Even though there is a hint of romance that creeps in between Harley and Wade, it isn't ridiculous... there isn't an obvious mention on romance being on the cards but we see these two characters that obviously have a lot of respect for each other and really do care for one another as friends before the thought of them being together is introduced. It really does make you hope that everything works out for them. The witty back and forth they have really brings a light hearted element to the plot, especially after certain events.
I truly am hoping the rest of the series carries on at this pace, with it being such an easy ready, it really is a pleasure to read - especially while comutting to work on a morning. This story of witches and worlocks really does make for a pleasent read.
One thing I really love is that Harley is still as fiery AF... even when all hope seems lost she just carries on being an utter badass. I just hope she keeps in getting better as the series goes on.
Even though there is a hint of romance that creeps in between Harley and Wade, it isn't ridiculous... there isn't an obvious mention on romance being on the cards but we see these two characters that obviously have a lot of respect for each other and really do care for one another as friends before the thought of them being together is introduced. It really does make you hope that everything works out for them. The witty back and forth they have really brings a light hearted element to the plot, especially after certain events.
I truly am hoping the rest of the series carries on at this pace, with it being such an easy ready, it really is a pleasure to read - especially while comutting to work on a morning. This story of witches and worlocks really does make for a pleasent read.
Merissa (12058 KP) rated Hunters' Watch Brigade: Initiation in Books
Jun 8, 2018
Hunters' Watch Brigade: Initiation by Paula Millhouse
Hunters' Watch Brigade: Initiation is the first book in the Hunters' Watch Brigade series, that deals with witches, vampires, demi-gods, shifters, and all other paranormal personnel.
Sam is a sassy, sometimes cheeky, female who is confident in herself and her abilities. Her father is Poseidon, and she has an easy relationship with him, even though she doesn't understand why he didn't stick around when she was a child. Max is her Maine Coon familiar (yes, she's also part witch). Max is more to her than that though, but he is resisting with every fibre of his being. He knows he can shift and become a guardian, but is worried about being taken away from Sam if he does so.
I loved these two, both separately and together. Things go full on between them once Max does shift, but then it wouldn't seem right any other way, considering all the time they have spent together.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing of this book, with smooth transitions from one scene to the next. It does end on a sort-of cliffhanger, so fair warning. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sam is a sassy, sometimes cheeky, female who is confident in herself and her abilities. Her father is Poseidon, and she has an easy relationship with him, even though she doesn't understand why he didn't stick around when she was a child. Max is her Maine Coon familiar (yes, she's also part witch). Max is more to her than that though, but he is resisting with every fibre of his being. He knows he can shift and become a guardian, but is worried about being taken away from Sam if he does so.
I loved these two, both separately and together. Things go full on between them once Max does shift, but then it wouldn't seem right any other way, considering all the time they have spent together.
There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow, and I thoroughly enjoyed the pacing of this book, with smooth transitions from one scene to the next. It does end on a sort-of cliffhanger, so fair warning. Definitely recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Gail (4 KP) rated Magic Spark (Enchanted, #1) in Books
Jun 4, 2018
MAGIC SPARK Enchanted: Book One Sara Dobie Bauer Em Shotwell Wendy Sparrow
Four Stars
This book was fun to read. I enjoyed all three stories. The authors gave a unique twist to true love and the HEA. Out of the three I enjoyed SARA DOBIE BAUER Destiny's Dark Light the most. The author gave us something different when it came to witches and prophecy. You would definitely want to continue the next book. I did enjoy the other stories the characters all had flaws and were a little crazy. I would like to explore more from these authors. Wendy Sparrow’s When A DemiGod Courts Death was well written and a enjoyable short story. The author gives you a different spin on God and human children. Needing a match to stay alive. The lines were funny and flowed without too much pause. I would like to read a full story. The book that had me like what is happening was These Roots Run Deep. The characters had me a little upset because of the lies and all the neediness. The main character wanted this man to stay and went to great lengths to make that happen. I didn’t like her personality or how she used her family to get what she wanted. No woman should have to feel like they only way he will stay is if you put him under a spell. If he halfway out the door let him leave. You deserve better.
Four Stars
This book was fun to read. I enjoyed all three stories. The authors gave a unique twist to true love and the HEA. Out of the three I enjoyed SARA DOBIE BAUER Destiny's Dark Light the most. The author gave us something different when it came to witches and prophecy. You would definitely want to continue the next book. I did enjoy the other stories the characters all had flaws and were a little crazy. I would like to explore more from these authors. Wendy Sparrow’s When A DemiGod Courts Death was well written and a enjoyable short story. The author gives you a different spin on God and human children. Needing a match to stay alive. The lines were funny and flowed without too much pause. I would like to read a full story. The book that had me like what is happening was These Roots Run Deep. The characters had me a little upset because of the lies and all the neediness. The main character wanted this man to stay and went to great lengths to make that happen. I didn’t like her personality or how she used her family to get what she wanted. No woman should have to feel like they only way he will stay is if you put him under a spell. If he halfway out the door let him leave. You deserve better.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Pyewacket (2017) in Movies
Sep 26, 2018
This film doesn't know WITCH film it wants to be...
Pyewacket is a witchy teen angst film, that feels a bit like it wanted to be Ginger Snaps for witches, following the life of a teen girl whose father has recently died, and whose mother is not dealing well with the new reality.
Against her protestations, her mother moves them to a house in the woods, and away from her school and friends and after a heated exchange, the daughter decides to perform a dark ritual in the woods.
The crux of the film is that she later regrets the decision and is haunted by ghostly presences in the house that she suspects are the result of her ritual.
The whole film feels out of time, as if it were a late 90's early 2000's teen horror, with the majority of time spent exploring teen angst and cringey cliched subculture banter, rather than really tyring to ramp up any tension or scare the viewer.
At no point is a bad film, but it is trying to walk the line between genuine horror and that sort of 'The Craft' style teen culture movie, and it just doesnt seem to really nail either.
Its not bad, its not great, its just ok.
Against her protestations, her mother moves them to a house in the woods, and away from her school and friends and after a heated exchange, the daughter decides to perform a dark ritual in the woods.
The crux of the film is that she later regrets the decision and is haunted by ghostly presences in the house that she suspects are the result of her ritual.
The whole film feels out of time, as if it were a late 90's early 2000's teen horror, with the majority of time spent exploring teen angst and cringey cliched subculture banter, rather than really tyring to ramp up any tension or scare the viewer.
At no point is a bad film, but it is trying to walk the line between genuine horror and that sort of 'The Craft' style teen culture movie, and it just doesnt seem to really nail either.
Its not bad, its not great, its just ok.
Amy Christmas (170 KP) rated Northern Lights in Books
Jan 14, 2019
A child's perspective written well (1 more)
Imaginative but believable world
Absolutely loved it!
I loved this book, I have been meaning to read it for years and have finally gotten around to embracing all those childhood favourites.
We follow Lyra a girl from Oxford who is looked after by the scholars of Jordan college. We are introduced to her deamon 'Pan' (for short because I couldn't for the life of me work out how to say his name) and the workings of this world, of this child's world. Before being thrown as Lyra is into the politics and shenanigans of adults.
Lyra's character is a complex one she is a feisty intelligent girl but at times the way she behaved and is described to talk is unrealistic for a child her age, however these small things can be overlooked.
As I had only ever seen the movie before, which pales in comparison, I was shocked by the twist at the end of the book concerning Ms Coulter and Lord Asriel, and made me feel as if my journeying with Lyra through the north, meeting Iorek and the witches and the Gyptians had all been worth it and there was another adventure ahead, as it is not over at the end of this book rather it tells you loud and clear that you've barely begun... and I love it.
We follow Lyra a girl from Oxford who is looked after by the scholars of Jordan college. We are introduced to her deamon 'Pan' (for short because I couldn't for the life of me work out how to say his name) and the workings of this world, of this child's world. Before being thrown as Lyra is into the politics and shenanigans of adults.
Lyra's character is a complex one she is a feisty intelligent girl but at times the way she behaved and is described to talk is unrealistic for a child her age, however these small things can be overlooked.
As I had only ever seen the movie before, which pales in comparison, I was shocked by the twist at the end of the book concerning Ms Coulter and Lord Asriel, and made me feel as if my journeying with Lyra through the north, meeting Iorek and the witches and the Gyptians had all been worth it and there was another adventure ahead, as it is not over at the end of this book rather it tells you loud and clear that you've barely begun... and I love it.
Love from Boy: Roald Dahl's Letters to His Mother
Book
'Dear Mama, I am having a lovely time here. We play football every day here. The beds have no...
Hieronymus Bosch: Visions and Nightmares
Book
In his lifetime Hieronymus Bosch was already famous for his fantastic painterly creations. Today his...
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated The Wretched (2019) in Movies
Mar 11, 2021 (Updated Jul 4, 2021)
Never unwatchable, but I'm getting tired of suggesting that there should be more horror in these horror movies, you feel? Far superior than your average thin-metaphor-instead-of-actual-story-with-next-to-no-scares A24 wannabe clone that I'm shocked we're still seeing in 2021. The lead guy is really excellent, it's aesthetically pleasing, and those practical effects are a riot and a half... but as you can probably guess it feels the need to get into the groove of "1. long stretch of familiar story 2. quick horror tease" on endless loop. Though thankfully that story is actually half-decent, if not ultimately enough to deliver on its sensational gold mine premise. I liked a whole lot about this but it just starts to drag its feet after so long, there's only a finite amount of times I can be walked through the same "nobody believes me..." setups these all have while there's literal witches, murderous parents, and neat character premises right there which never get built upon. Admirable for what it is, and thankfully it nixes the boring, faux-intellectual pretention these films love to flaunt - but still nearly misses out on working.
(EDIT: Sat on it for a while, can't help but give it a pass - perhaps given that I didn't have high expectations for it going in? It's just way too engaging for what it is to scold it *too* much).
(EDIT: Sat on it for a while, can't help but give it a pass - perhaps given that I didn't have high expectations for it going in? It's just way too engaging for what it is to scold it *too* much).
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Source (Witching Savannah, #2) in Books
Feb 9, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
19 of 250
Kindle
The Source ( Witching Savannah book 2)
By J.D. Horn
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Graceful trees and historic buildings fill Savannah, Georgia, but beneath the city's Southern splendor, its supernatural roots run deep. The members of local witch families grace the society pages...when they're not secretly protecting their magical work from dark forces.
Savannah resident Mercy Taylor may now be in control of the South's most powerful family of witches, but she's struggling to master her newfound magic. Pregnant with her first child and still reeling from a heartbreaking betrayal, she just wants to be able to use her supernatural abilities without accidentally destroying dishes or blasting the doors off buildings.
But when Mercy's long-presumed-dead mother suddenly returns, begging Mercy to keep her presence under wraps, the witch wonders how many secrets her family is hiding...and who she can really trust. And when the danger around her intensifies to deadly levels, Mercy knows she must discover the truth behind her family's magic - before it destroys her.
I loved the first book! The second did not disappoint at all it was brilliantly done. The intricate relationships woven throughout both books are special in every way. Nothing seems forced and it all flows so well. I think the changes to come are exciting and so is the new baby!! I did she’s a tear at the end kinda gonna miss Jilo!
Kindle
The Source ( Witching Savannah book 2)
By J.D. Horn
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Graceful trees and historic buildings fill Savannah, Georgia, but beneath the city's Southern splendor, its supernatural roots run deep. The members of local witch families grace the society pages...when they're not secretly protecting their magical work from dark forces.
Savannah resident Mercy Taylor may now be in control of the South's most powerful family of witches, but she's struggling to master her newfound magic. Pregnant with her first child and still reeling from a heartbreaking betrayal, she just wants to be able to use her supernatural abilities without accidentally destroying dishes or blasting the doors off buildings.
But when Mercy's long-presumed-dead mother suddenly returns, begging Mercy to keep her presence under wraps, the witch wonders how many secrets her family is hiding...and who she can really trust. And when the danger around her intensifies to deadly levels, Mercy knows she must discover the truth behind her family's magic - before it destroys her.
I loved the first book! The second did not disappoint at all it was brilliantly done. The intricate relationships woven throughout both books are special in every way. Nothing seems forced and it all flows so well. I think the changes to come are exciting and so is the new baby!! I did she’s a tear at the end kinda gonna miss Jilo!
