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The Infinite Sea
The Infinite Sea
Rick Yancey | 2014 | Children
4
7.9 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
The storyline itself is a masterpiece, but the characters let it down (0 more)
Terrible main characters (0 more)
Alright but Not Much Better than the First Book
After reading the second book, I've decided two things. Number one; Cassie is an awful main character and number two; jumping between multiple points of view kills the story. Cassie irritates me beyond belief, she's shallow, self absorbed, and makes for some cringe worthy moments that almost made me stop reading. Evan already seems to defy every piece of logic and when you find out more about his kind in this installment seems even more impossible, not to mention his ability not to die borders on stupid. Ringer is probably the only reason I continued to read it, she's an interesting character that for me captured exactly the accurate emotional response to what is happening around her...even if there were some moments with her character that were just as shallow as Cassie. The storyline itself is a masterpiece, but the characters let it down. The 5th Wave was a challenge to read, this one not so much as the story doesn't solely focus on Cassie, I hope the next one is better...
  
Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum, #2)
Two for the Dough (Stephanie Plum, #2)
Janet Evanovich | 1996 | Fiction & Poetry
6
7.7 (14 Ratings)
Book Rating
Stephanie Plum is at it again. This time she is on the hunt for Kenny Manusco. Kenny shot one of his best friends in the knee and then, he ends up dead. Kenny missed his court appearance for the knee shooting and Stephanie is going to hunt him down. For this case she has a little extra help, some she wants and some not so much. Some of the same characters from One for the Money are back in this second edition. My favorite by far though is Grandma Mazur. She plays quite a big role is this book.

I laughed out loud several times during this book. I'm sure people were looking at my strangely. I really hope that Grandma Mazur is going to keep making her appearances. She adds a great variety to Stephanie's cases. You never know what she is going to do.

So, I'm three books down for my Janet Evanovich challenge. My goal is to read everything she has ever written. She has written over 50 books so I guess this should take me about a year or more to complete.
  
Rise to Nobility
Rise to Nobility
2018 | City Building, Dice Game, Economic, Fantasy
Solo mode - play by yourself with various challenges (3 more)
Complex but not confusing
Aim of the game easy to grasp and fun
Beautiful Artwork
Can take a little while to set up (10 - 15 mins) (0 more)
Exceptional game that can be play solo as well as a group
I purchased/funded this game on Kickstarter and it's now one of my all time top 5 games I like to play. Even my wife loves it and it's the only game she requests to play. The gameplay has many elements to it allowing the you to stick with a favourite strategy or change it as you go along to best you chances of winning. The game is fun and has you always thinking of you next move. One big selling point for me my the solo mode where you can play the game by yourself (when you fancy it) and it does not disappoint. Solo mode plays exactly the same as the group mode except for giving you a challenge to achieve by the end of the game. I think this game is great and would bring hours of enjoyment to any keen gamer.
  
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The Marinated Meeple (1848 KP) Apr 30, 2019

Keep the reviews coming, I got Kudos to give and they go to Board Game Reviews...

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Stampy ;) (90 KP) Apr 30, 2019

Shall do.. thank you very much :)

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BTPBookclub (18 KP) rated Still Me in Books

May 11, 2019  
Still Me
Still Me
Jojo Moyes | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Romance
10
8.7 (31 Ratings)
Book Rating
Had me feeling a range of emotions throughout.
Yay. Feels like I have waited forever for this book! Finally. What a brilliant book! It was so good to be back in Lou’s crazy world, she is one of those characters you just cant help falling in love with. She yet again faces every challenge she can think of in this story but in the big city New York, making it even more daunting. However, Lou makes it through, she always does.

Still Me is a lovely book to read with a hidden message for all us readers within the story – BE YOU. Don’t be who others want/need you to be. I found it an easy read, fast paced and to round it up with that beautiful ending! Perfect. I would say read these books in order though as it does make references to the previous books and characters. If you enjoyed Me Before You or After You then you will love Still Me. I would highly recommend this story to you all, a well deserved five stars.

Still Me will have you feeling all the emotions. Happy, sad, upset, laughing out loud, regret and anger. Brilliant!
  
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had no idea what I was getting into starting this novel. I have read a handful of Ancient Rome romances, and they all seem to be lacking. There seems to be one element missing, whether it be historical accuracy, a tangible storyline, or realistic romance. This novel had everything and more. The author really knew her history, using jargon that gave the story a more authentic feel.

What really got me was the story line. Most of the romance I have read begin with the couple either meeting, or coming together again after a separation, then their progression to falling in love. This story differed in that, you get to read their story, but it’s more about them fighting the fates to be together instead of learning about each other. It was a nice change of pace but every challenge they faced broke my heart. I feel that the ending made up for all the torment the author put me through, however.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional read to go with their steamy scenes and historically correct jargon.
  
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Lindsay (1717 KP) rated Bloodmoon (Bloodmark Saga, #3) in Books

Feb 8, 2018 (Updated Apr 9, 2019)  
Bloodmoon (Bloodmark Saga, #3)
Bloodmoon (Bloodmark Saga, #3)
Aurora Whittet | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
We get to where we are in the final parts of Ashling Boru journey. It all starts once they arrive at the Rock. What does Verci want? Ashling can tell something is up and it just a waiting game. Ashling knows they need to save the humans?

Verci thinks he will win and bet Ashling and her pack? There are more surprises and twist as the story goes on. There is a war going on. Where is Vigdis at? Will Ashing be claimed or not? Does Ashling need to choose who will claim her at Carrowmore?

Ashling needs to save her guardian Baran from a family of evil wolves named the Dvergars. What will happen the Grey? There are some many things that go one and her pack helps Ashling until she can be claimed under Bloodmoon.

There is also a challenge that Ashling needs to do to find the triple Goddess, The mother, and the Crone. But for them to get save more than one person from the Realms. Will Ashling and several of her pack do that without Verci or Vigdis notice? You will need to find out how it ends.
  
The Slime Book: All You Need to Know to Make the Perfect Slime
The Slime Book: All You Need to Know to Make the Perfect Slime
DK Publishing | 2017 | Art, Photography & Fashion
8
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
The Slime Book: All You Need to Know to Make the Perfect Slime by DK is a great craft source that is not only fun but a learning experience. It also encourages kids to experiment to perfect their recipes. I found the chapter on edible slime interesting. The format makes these recipes easy for younger kids yet adds a level to challenge more experienced kids. The addition of difficulty level and time required helps with choosing what slime to make.

This book is a great way to introduce slime making to school age children. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. The illustrations support the content well. Different slimes may entice children to make them first based on glow in the dark, sound effect, edible, or other qualities. Warnings are present when necessary. There are plenty of options and "fixes" if your slime is not behaving as expected. This is sure to appeal to young scientists, and parents will appreciate the reminders to keep things clean (including your hands) and dispose of any mess.

I received an ARC from DK Children via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

I give this book 4.5/5 stars.
  
Star Wars Omnibus: X-Wing Rogue Squadron, Vol. 1
Star Wars Omnibus: X-Wing Rogue Squadron, Vol. 1
Michael A. Stackpole | 2006 | Comics & Graphic Novels
6
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Generally speaking, I'm not really a comic-book guy kinda person.

However, I have read (and actually quite enjoyed) the Star Wars: X-Wing series of books, and was aware that these were also (pre Prequel trilogy) comics. However, I was unaware (until relatively recently) that the comics were not just visualizations of the novels, but were rather stories in their own right.

When I found this out, and when I came across the digital version of this Omnibus - which collects the first 3 stories in the X-Wing series [so Goodreads, should count as 3 towards my yearly challenge!] , I thought I would give it a try.

Of the 3 stories contained - Rogue Leader, the Rebel Opposition and The Phantom Affair - the second and third of these were co-written by Michael Stackpole, who also wrote the first X-Wing novels. Personally, while the story may be better in those two than in the first, I preferred the art of the first story, finding the panes easier to follow.

I haven't yet decided, but I may also pick up the next volume(s) in the series.
  
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1)
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer, #1)
Jenny Han | 2009 | Young Adult (YA)
6
8.7 (7 Ratings)
Book Rating
I've been in such a YA mood lately and determined to work on my self-imposed #readwhatyouown challenge, so I picked up this one, the first in a trilogy.

I couldn't help but compare this book to Han's To All the Boys I've Loved Before series, but Belly (yes, they call this poor girl Belly) is no Lara Jean.

This is a rather predictable yet fun book as Belly returns to the beach house where she spends each summer with her Mom; her Mom's best friend Susannah; and Susannah's two sons, teenage Conrad and Jeremiah. This summer, Belly is fifteen and growing up--and it seems like everything is changing.

So I resented that Belly supposedly only deserved attention because she was now "pretty," though thankfully another boy comes on the scene who appreciates her for more than her looks. Still, I must admit, I was caught up in the book's drama, and this was pretty much the diversion and break from thrillers that I as seeking. And it definitely made me yearn for the beach. I won't lie, I'll probably check out the second book in the series out of curiosity, despite my complaints. 2.5/3 stars.
  
Rory O'Shea Was Here (aka Inside I'm Dancing) (2004)
Rory O'Shea Was Here (aka Inside I'm Dancing) (2004)
2004 | Biography, Comedy, Drama
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The best British comedy made. (0 more)
No one watched it. (0 more)
One of the best films Britain made yet no one watched
You've seen Brassed Off, you've seen Four Weddings and Funeral, you've seen Notting Hill and the Full Monty. But you didn't watch this. So few people watched Inside I'm Dancing that they re-released it with the new name Rory O'Shea Was Here and removed any images of wheelchairs from the cover.

It must have been the wheelchairs that did it. No one watched this incredible film about two disabled friends and their rebellion against disability stereotypes. It's absolutely incredible and it will make you laugh, it will make you cry and will make you think and challenge your perspectives.

There are two friends, one is a reserved chap who does as he's told, the other is a punk rock rebel in a wheelchair and refuses to confirm how everyone says he has to. Watch how one comes out of their shell and the other wrestles with their sense of self.

I've shown this film to so many people who haven't heard of it but then rate it full marks after laughing and crying. Will you be another one?