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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Dawn of the Dreadfuls in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls
by Jane Austen and Steve Hockensmith
Genre: Re-mixed classic
Rating: 5
Dawn of the Dreadfuls is hilarious! Hockensmith has captured Austen’s original characters and brought them back (from the dead) in a gruesomely wonderful prequel to Pride and Prejudice. This Zombiefied quirky classic will have you snickering and giggling like Lydia and Kitty. (By the way, I’m officially adding Zombiefied to my dictionary. It’s an awesome word.)
The writing was so much like Austen’s that I began to wonder if it really wasn’t by her. It was eloquent and witty and almost audible in that you could hear the accents of the speakers and the narrator.
Content: an occasional dirty word (I think d--- was used like, twice in the whole book?), very few sexual references. But remember that we’re talking about dead brain-eating zombies here, people. It’s not for the faint of heart (or stomach) and it’s not for kids.
Recommendation: 12+ If you love the paranormal, horror, or anything Jane Austen, this one is for you.
Dawn of the Dreadfuls will be published on March 24th 2010.
by Jane Austen and Steve Hockensmith
Genre: Re-mixed classic
Rating: 5
Dawn of the Dreadfuls is hilarious! Hockensmith has captured Austen’s original characters and brought them back (from the dead) in a gruesomely wonderful prequel to Pride and Prejudice. This Zombiefied quirky classic will have you snickering and giggling like Lydia and Kitty. (By the way, I’m officially adding Zombiefied to my dictionary. It’s an awesome word.)
The writing was so much like Austen’s that I began to wonder if it really wasn’t by her. It was eloquent and witty and almost audible in that you could hear the accents of the speakers and the narrator.
Content: an occasional dirty word (I think d--- was used like, twice in the whole book?), very few sexual references. But remember that we’re talking about dead brain-eating zombies here, people. It’s not for the faint of heart (or stomach) and it’s not for kids.
Recommendation: 12+ If you love the paranormal, horror, or anything Jane Austen, this one is for you.
Dawn of the Dreadfuls will be published on March 24th 2010.
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated Color by Kristin: How to Design Your Own Beautiful Knits in Books
Apr 27, 2018
Color by Kristin is an awesome knitting book, great for knitters who love to design their own projects. My realm is free-forming to create patterns, so flipping through this book was a lot of fun and very inspiring. I have a passion for color, and this book made my mouth water and my fingers twitch.
There are 25+ patterns—very colorful patterns—and a variety of graphs in the back for creating your own variations. The patterns range from very beginner to advanced, but they all have similarities: using graphs, embroidery, and several colors to create beautiful knits. There are mittens, socks, hats, scarves, shawls and wraps, pillows, sweaters, ottomans… the list goes on and on.
In the back is a "designer sourcebook" full of ideas for color changing, stitch patterns, color mixing, edges and trim, and of course graphs galore. The graphs are sorted by how many stitches your project has to have: several graphs for multiples of 2 stitches all the way up to multiples of 30.
If you love color, love fair isle, or love creating your own unique knits, this is the ideal book for you.
There are 25+ patterns—very colorful patterns—and a variety of graphs in the back for creating your own variations. The patterns range from very beginner to advanced, but they all have similarities: using graphs, embroidery, and several colors to create beautiful knits. There are mittens, socks, hats, scarves, shawls and wraps, pillows, sweaters, ottomans… the list goes on and on.
In the back is a "designer sourcebook" full of ideas for color changing, stitch patterns, color mixing, edges and trim, and of course graphs galore. The graphs are sorted by how many stitches your project has to have: several graphs for multiples of 2 stitches all the way up to multiples of 30.
If you love color, love fair isle, or love creating your own unique knits, this is the ideal book for you.
Modern Calligraphy and Hand Lettering by Lisa Engelbrecht
Genre: Calligraphy and craft
ISBN: 9781592536443
Published: September 1st 2010 by Quarry Books
Rating: 5
This book was absolutely amazing. I have loved calligraphy since I was eleven.
This book had everything: information on supplies and tools and instructions on how to build your own tools. There are chapters on different calligraphy styles, like classic calligraphy, vintage styled alphabets, raw dry-brush techniques, funky fun letters, calligraphy on fabric, urban-styled graffiti, flourishes, gothic, and mixed media pieces. Every chapter is exciting and inspiring, and each chapter will speak to a different person and hit on their personal style. I have to say the fabric section really made me want to dance and get out my sewing machine. There were example pieces, full alphabets, photographs, stroke-by-stroke instructions on certain alphabets, and ideas beyond belief. This book is enough to keep me busy for at least the next two decades…
I recommend this book to anyone interested in calligraphy, collage, mixed media, or anyone who loves hand-writing pieces of art (Yes there are still some of us who love hand-writing letters and love poems and posters. We're awesome.).
Genre: Calligraphy and craft
ISBN: 9781592536443
Published: September 1st 2010 by Quarry Books
Rating: 5
This book was absolutely amazing. I have loved calligraphy since I was eleven.
This book had everything: information on supplies and tools and instructions on how to build your own tools. There are chapters on different calligraphy styles, like classic calligraphy, vintage styled alphabets, raw dry-brush techniques, funky fun letters, calligraphy on fabric, urban-styled graffiti, flourishes, gothic, and mixed media pieces. Every chapter is exciting and inspiring, and each chapter will speak to a different person and hit on their personal style. I have to say the fabric section really made me want to dance and get out my sewing machine. There were example pieces, full alphabets, photographs, stroke-by-stroke instructions on certain alphabets, and ideas beyond belief. This book is enough to keep me busy for at least the next two decades…
I recommend this book to anyone interested in calligraphy, collage, mixed media, or anyone who loves hand-writing pieces of art (Yes there are still some of us who love hand-writing letters and love poems and posters. We're awesome.).
Lee (2222 KP) rated The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019) in Movies
Feb 12, 2019
Everything is no longer awesome
I liked the first Lego Movie a lot. I liked the Lego Batman movie even more. I should have liked this movie too. Maybe I was just having a grumpy Monday, but unfortunately I didn't like this one very much at all.
The Lego movies thrive on being fast paced - a visual feast for the eyes with rapid fire gags and knowing little nods and references to film and other pop culture. Lego Movie 2 is certainly fast paced, but because I didn't find any of the gags funny, I quickly grew tired and annoyed by it all. Only when we start to see a lot more of the real world - brother and sister fighting, Mum getting involved (Will Ferrell reduced to just shouting something out from another room rather than appearing on screen, weirdly) - that we get a real understanding of the impact on the Lego world and why everything is happening. That brought a real coherency and sentimentality to everything and meant that I enjoyed the final third of the movie a lot more than the rest of it.
The Lego movies thrive on being fast paced - a visual feast for the eyes with rapid fire gags and knowing little nods and references to film and other pop culture. Lego Movie 2 is certainly fast paced, but because I didn't find any of the gags funny, I quickly grew tired and annoyed by it all. Only when we start to see a lot more of the real world - brother and sister fighting, Mum getting involved (Will Ferrell reduced to just shouting something out from another room rather than appearing on screen, weirdly) - that we get a real understanding of the impact on the Lego world and why everything is happening. That brought a real coherency and sentimentality to everything and meant that I enjoyed the final third of the movie a lot more than the rest of it.
ALilLacey (2 KP) rated The Knights Before Christmas in Books
Mar 4, 2019
I read this book aloud to my 5 year old daughter. This is her review:
"The book was awesome and funny. My favorite part was when they saw Santa and thought he was trying to get in ( they thought he was an invader) and Santa just kept trying to get in. I also liked when the Knight said, 'Jingle bells, Invader smells, Jingle all the way.' I also liked when they took all the gifts and presents Santa threw at them and decorated the tree with them. I also love that the author made the book and that she was so thoughtful."
Mom's review: This book was really adorable. A fun play on the old Christmas poem T'was a Night Before Christmas. The story was funny and creative. The Knights all had their own personalities and funny quirks and Santa's persistence made for an enjoyable read. I liked all the little extras going on in the background of the illustrations and little sayings and singings of the Knights. Definitely a recommended book for all ages of young children. The pictures even kept my toddler entertained.
"The book was awesome and funny. My favorite part was when they saw Santa and thought he was trying to get in ( they thought he was an invader) and Santa just kept trying to get in. I also liked when the Knight said, 'Jingle bells, Invader smells, Jingle all the way.' I also liked when they took all the gifts and presents Santa threw at them and decorated the tree with them. I also love that the author made the book and that she was so thoughtful."
Mom's review: This book was really adorable. A fun play on the old Christmas poem T'was a Night Before Christmas. The story was funny and creative. The Knights all had their own personalities and funny quirks and Santa's persistence made for an enjoyable read. I liked all the little extras going on in the background of the illustrations and little sayings and singings of the Knights. Definitely a recommended book for all ages of young children. The pictures even kept my toddler entertained.
Alan Zornes (1 KP) rated Betrayal at House on the Hill in Tabletop Games
Apr 2, 2019
Randomized board layout. (2 more)
50+ scenarios each with it's own set of rules.
Great teamwork and strategy.
Awesome co-op game
You start the game as an unlikely group of explorers who venture inside a creepy haunted house only to have the door shut and lock behind you, now you must find a way out. As you explore the various rooms you begin to find items like weapons, ritualistic artifacts and other "useful" things. If it's not an item or an empty room its an endless barrage of haunting, psychological events and hallucinations that keep the game thrilling and entertaining. When enough hauntings have occurredone of the explorers fall victim to the evil within the house and turns traitor. At this point you desipher what scenario you will be playing based on what cards/character initiated the haunt. After this each team (explorers vs traitor) takes their designated guide book and discovers their new goal. The game includes 50 scenarios with an addition 50 in the Widows Walk expansion. Every game is like you've never played it since the board layout, items, events, and even win goals are random every time. Just don't get trapped in the basement!?
Georgina DeBurca (2 KP) rated The Reaper and the Cop (Liberty Oakwood, #1) in Books
Jan 29, 2018
Just for reference - I will not be giving anything away in my review. Don;t wanna spoil it for all you potential readers. What I will say is: Wow.
As you can guess, The characters are a reaper, as in grim reaper... and a cop.
Well. I have a thing for cops ;) And Troy is soooo hot and domineering, yet with a caring side. As heroes go, he is perfect in my opinion.
Laney is a great heroine. She has a fantastic attitude and is incredibly sarcastic to boot. She is who she is, and if the other person doesn't like it? Tough. I love that about her. She's strong and independent, and to me feels very confident. What every woman aspires to be. Awesome sense of humour too.
Short read so I like that I can get through it in an evening. These sort of books are a god send to a mother of two - or a person busy via other reasons I guess.
Well written. Well thought out story line and left me wanting more. Loved it and would definitely suggest to others. <3
As you can guess, The characters are a reaper, as in grim reaper... and a cop.
Well. I have a thing for cops ;) And Troy is soooo hot and domineering, yet with a caring side. As heroes go, he is perfect in my opinion.
Laney is a great heroine. She has a fantastic attitude and is incredibly sarcastic to boot. She is who she is, and if the other person doesn't like it? Tough. I love that about her. She's strong and independent, and to me feels very confident. What every woman aspires to be. Awesome sense of humour too.
Short read so I like that I can get through it in an evening. These sort of books are a god send to a mother of two - or a person busy via other reasons I guess.
Well written. Well thought out story line and left me wanting more. Loved it and would definitely suggest to others. <3
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated The Collector (2009) in Movies
Feb 14, 2018
Awesome effects (2 more)
Good jump scares
Wickedly bad killer
Smart Slasher... you get a gold star
Now, my wonderful Hackers. I bring to you a review of a film that has stuck with me for almost 10 years. Filled with some of the most devious, treacherous and disturbing psychopathic behaviour I have ever bore witness too...
The Collector tells the story of down on his luck burglar Arkin. Played by Josh Stewart perfectly, as he makes you feel empathy for his every action.
Without giving too much away. Arkin breaks into his employers house and finds a house of horrors behind every locked and unlocked door he finds.
There are two reasons he's doing what he's doing..
One is to rescue his daughters mother from some loan sharks... reason two..
The little girl hiding from the Collector in the house.
This movie both disturbed and disgusted me. Two things I look forward to in a good horror movie...
So, all my Horror Hackers, don't miss out on this piece of horror brilliance. It's to be paid tribute to in the highest regard.
The sequel.... Not so much....
The Collector tells the story of down on his luck burglar Arkin. Played by Josh Stewart perfectly, as he makes you feel empathy for his every action.
Without giving too much away. Arkin breaks into his employers house and finds a house of horrors behind every locked and unlocked door he finds.
There are two reasons he's doing what he's doing..
One is to rescue his daughters mother from some loan sharks... reason two..
The little girl hiding from the Collector in the house.
This movie both disturbed and disgusted me. Two things I look forward to in a good horror movie...
So, all my Horror Hackers, don't miss out on this piece of horror brilliance. It's to be paid tribute to in the highest regard.
The sequel.... Not so much....
Kristin (149 KP) rated The Brown House (The Visitor's Series #1) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love scary stories, ones that keep you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on, and this one definitely has the creepy factor. Christy has said the house used to be her husband's home growing up, and some of the experiences described in the book happened to him and his family. Whoa!!!
I couldn't help but get engrossed in the story, especially the developing relationship between Ephraim and Brylee, as well as her friendship with Lynley. Then there would be parts that made me just want to scream at the book, throw it across the room, something, because that's how drawn into it I was. Oh, and I read it in one day, because I just couldn't put it down, THAT'S how great it is. Although, because of the ending, I'm on pins and needles waiting for more. I'm so glad my book club read this one this month, so awesome!! I'd highly recommend to anyone who likes supernatural stories, ghost stories, haunted houses, and the like. Fantastic!!
5 stars =)
I absolutely love scary stories, ones that keep you on your toes, trying to figure out what's going on, and this one definitely has the creepy factor. Christy has said the house used to be her husband's home growing up, and some of the experiences described in the book happened to him and his family. Whoa!!!
I couldn't help but get engrossed in the story, especially the developing relationship between Ephraim and Brylee, as well as her friendship with Lynley. Then there would be parts that made me just want to scream at the book, throw it across the room, something, because that's how drawn into it I was. Oh, and I read it in one day, because I just couldn't put it down, THAT'S how great it is. Although, because of the ending, I'm on pins and needles waiting for more. I'm so glad my book club read this one this month, so awesome!! I'd highly recommend to anyone who likes supernatural stories, ghost stories, haunted houses, and the like. Fantastic!!
5 stars =)
Kristin (149 KP) rated Malevolent Gateway (S.P.I.R.I.T., #2) in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
People going missing/dying on a stretch of road next to a marsh. Main characters with connections to the supernatural realm. A special military team trained to fight the paranormal. All in happy little Vermont.
Malevolent Gateway is the second in the S.P.I.R.I.T. series. I read the first one for a book club, and I absolutely loved it, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. And I was definitely not disappointed! The main characters are great, the story behind the town and strange happenings (and the happenings themselves) are just plain creepy but awesome, and I love that Zander Smith from the first book found his way into this one. =)
Paranormal/supernatural stories are my favorite, and this one is just bursting at the seams with interesting stuff. Whether it's a woman who can "see dead people," a man who has astral projections, or a military LT who can latch on to them and do what they do, it was all so captivating I couldn't put it down. Really hope she keeps the series going!!
5 stars
People going missing/dying on a stretch of road next to a marsh. Main characters with connections to the supernatural realm. A special military team trained to fight the paranormal. All in happy little Vermont.
Malevolent Gateway is the second in the S.P.I.R.I.T. series. I read the first one for a book club, and I absolutely loved it, so I jumped at the chance to read this one. And I was definitely not disappointed! The main characters are great, the story behind the town and strange happenings (and the happenings themselves) are just plain creepy but awesome, and I love that Zander Smith from the first book found his way into this one. =)
Paranormal/supernatural stories are my favorite, and this one is just bursting at the seams with interesting stuff. Whether it's a woman who can "see dead people," a man who has astral projections, or a military LT who can latch on to them and do what they do, it was all so captivating I couldn't put it down. Really hope she keeps the series going!!
5 stars