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Merissa (12969 KP) rated Plague Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #4) in Books
Jun 15, 2020
Plague Arcanist is the fourth book in the Frith Chronicles and you really do need to read them in order. The question should be "Why wouldn't you?" This is an amazing fantasy series with amazing characters and abilities, set in a world that will take your breath away!
I'm not giving out any spoilers when I say Volke is infected with the plague. Not only does this happen at the end of book three but the very title sort of gives it away! đ Volke feels he has no choice but to go it alone as he is terrified of infecting one of his friends. Only trouble is, Adelgis isn't prepared to let him, even with the risks to himself, and Fain is immune and won't let him either. So Volke is stuck with both of them and I honestly believe he wouldn't have made it to the end of the book without them.
I was a bit sad that we didn't find out what the others have been up to whilst Volke has his adventures but I am sure we will find out in due course. What I loved was finding out about Everett and Lynus. I loved these parts and thought they were brilliantly done. There are new characters to enjoy too who really help to set the scenes.
I can't say I was surprised at the ending as I felt there were hints throughout the book. It wasn't a disappointment though as the writing, as always, was superb and really made you feel part of what was going on. Can I just add - that cloak! The description of the new versus the old brought tears to my eyes!!!
All in all, this is an amazing addition to the series that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I really can't wait for the next one - World Serpent Arcanist. Bring it on.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
I'm not giving out any spoilers when I say Volke is infected with the plague. Not only does this happen at the end of book three but the very title sort of gives it away! đ Volke feels he has no choice but to go it alone as he is terrified of infecting one of his friends. Only trouble is, Adelgis isn't prepared to let him, even with the risks to himself, and Fain is immune and won't let him either. So Volke is stuck with both of them and I honestly believe he wouldn't have made it to the end of the book without them.
I was a bit sad that we didn't find out what the others have been up to whilst Volke has his adventures but I am sure we will find out in due course. What I loved was finding out about Everett and Lynus. I loved these parts and thought they were brilliantly done. There are new characters to enjoy too who really help to set the scenes.
I can't say I was surprised at the ending as I felt there were hints throughout the book. It wasn't a disappointment though as the writing, as always, was superb and really made you feel part of what was going on. Can I just add - that cloak! The description of the new versus the old brought tears to my eyes!!!
All in all, this is an amazing addition to the series that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I really can't wait for the next one - World Serpent Arcanist. Bring it on.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Judy (2019) in Movies
Oct 2, 2019
Judy, is the biopic based on the stage play âEnd of the Rainbowâ which chronicles Judy Garlandâs five week run in 1968 London, at The Talk of the Town Nightclub. Ms. Garland, one of the victims of the old Hollywood studio treatments that contributed to her tragic upbringing.
The ever malleable Renee Zellweger embodies Judy Garland throughout this film. Ms. Garlandâs physical affectations are translated to the screen so much that we are transported , convinced that she is Judy. Yet, there are a couple of moments where the mask slips and we see Ms. Zellweger instead .
The film begins with Judy working, doing a show at an event and being paid very much less than she has in the past. She is uninsurable, unreliable and absolutely inconsistent. Her lifelong habits have taken most of who she was and she keeps getting up every time to keep fighting.
She also has custody of her two kids, Lorna and Joe Luft. She does not have a place to call home to provide a stable environment for the children. Their father Sid Luft is challenging custody and Judy has provided enough fodder to have custody of her children revert to their father. Her intent is to be a good mother, as opposed to the parent she had growing up.
Flashbacks are cut in throughout the movie, showing her on the set of the Wizard of Oz with Louis B. Mayer, at a movie set where they film a choreographed birthday party for Judy.
We are shown how terribly manipulative and cruel the studio system was towards the actresses back then. The pills, starvation, demands, and gaslighting had created the person that was Judy.
The movie is about the tragedy that was Judy Garlandâs life. However, there are many points of light in her life and we are shown that in the movie. Judy is definitely a film blanketed with the shadows of sadness from her life.
The transition of Zellweger to Judy who explained had a distracting flaw that I struggled with. Ms. Zellweger has a pleasant voice, but she is not Ms. Garland whoâs lovely voice with rich timbre is beautifully unique.
Very dramatic film, such a transformative performance by Renee Zellweger.
The ever malleable Renee Zellweger embodies Judy Garland throughout this film. Ms. Garlandâs physical affectations are translated to the screen so much that we are transported , convinced that she is Judy. Yet, there are a couple of moments where the mask slips and we see Ms. Zellweger instead .
The film begins with Judy working, doing a show at an event and being paid very much less than she has in the past. She is uninsurable, unreliable and absolutely inconsistent. Her lifelong habits have taken most of who she was and she keeps getting up every time to keep fighting.
She also has custody of her two kids, Lorna and Joe Luft. She does not have a place to call home to provide a stable environment for the children. Their father Sid Luft is challenging custody and Judy has provided enough fodder to have custody of her children revert to their father. Her intent is to be a good mother, as opposed to the parent she had growing up.
Flashbacks are cut in throughout the movie, showing her on the set of the Wizard of Oz with Louis B. Mayer, at a movie set where they film a choreographed birthday party for Judy.
We are shown how terribly manipulative and cruel the studio system was towards the actresses back then. The pills, starvation, demands, and gaslighting had created the person that was Judy.
The movie is about the tragedy that was Judy Garlandâs life. However, there are many points of light in her life and we are shown that in the movie. Judy is definitely a film blanketed with the shadows of sadness from her life.
The transition of Zellweger to Judy who explained had a distracting flaw that I struggled with. Ms. Zellweger has a pleasant voice, but she is not Ms. Garland whoâs lovely voice with rich timbre is beautifully unique.
Very dramatic film, such a transformative performance by Renee Zellweger.
Everything Is Combustible: Television, CBGB's and Five Decades of Rock and Roll: The Memoirs of an Alchemical Guitarist
Book
Legendary Rock and Roll guitarist. Founding member of Television. Masterful storyteller. ...
Music
Long Road to Hard Truth: The 100 Year Mission to Create the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Book
In Long Road to Hard Truth: The 100 Year Mission to Create the National Museum of African American...
History social sciences
The Comfort Food Diaries: My Quest for the Perfect Dish to Mend a Broken Heart
Book
In the tradition of Elizabeth Gilbert and Ruth Reichl, former New Yorker editor Emily Nunn...
Biography food
American Rose: A Nation Laid Bare: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee
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With the critically acclaimed Sin in the Second City, bestselling author Karen Abbott âpioneered...
Merissa (12969 KP) rated The Complete Grimm Chronicles (The Grimm Chronicles Box Set) in Books
Apr 12, 2023
I honestly don't know where to start with this book as there are so many good points. I guess a good place to start with what you actually get with this book. This book contains all 12 episodes of the series, as well as the bonus "Lost diaries" of previous heroes and all of the collected Grimm's Fairy Tales so it makes for a very long and satisfying read.
The best way I can describe this set of books is to tell you to imagine Buffy the Vampire Slayer but instead of the Scoobies and her Watcher, imagine a great big, talking, sometimes visible, white Rabbit called Briar to his friends, otherwise known as Br'er Rabbit.
The wit is fast and sharp and on pretty much every page. There is also exhaustion, pain, temptation, and even time for the usual teenage angst. There are no plot holes and the story continues with a smooth flow, making your reading of it completely and thoroughly enjoyable. Be prepared though, if you're anything like me, you will cry! And not just once, either. Characters that you don't like to start with insidiously get under your skin until you do like them and then, of course, you worry about their well-being. (Yes, I know it's a book but it's written that well that you do care!!)
These fairy tales stay true to the originals by the Brothers Grimm, they have not been Disney-fied in any way. You could even say that they are 'grim' as they involve people being eaten, violence, and self-mutilation. These are all things that actually happened in these stories before they were 'softened' for today's children.
If you want a change from Disney, if you like a butt-kicking, fast-witted but altogether relatable Hero, if you want the warmth that the friendship of the Hero's helper or if you just want to read about fairy tales, then I can definitely recommend this set of Chronicles. Seriously, I can't recommend it highly enough. Absolutely brilliant.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 08, 2015
The best way I can describe this set of books is to tell you to imagine Buffy the Vampire Slayer but instead of the Scoobies and her Watcher, imagine a great big, talking, sometimes visible, white Rabbit called Briar to his friends, otherwise known as Br'er Rabbit.
The wit is fast and sharp and on pretty much every page. There is also exhaustion, pain, temptation, and even time for the usual teenage angst. There are no plot holes and the story continues with a smooth flow, making your reading of it completely and thoroughly enjoyable. Be prepared though, if you're anything like me, you will cry! And not just once, either. Characters that you don't like to start with insidiously get under your skin until you do like them and then, of course, you worry about their well-being. (Yes, I know it's a book but it's written that well that you do care!!)
These fairy tales stay true to the originals by the Brothers Grimm, they have not been Disney-fied in any way. You could even say that they are 'grim' as they involve people being eaten, violence, and self-mutilation. These are all things that actually happened in these stories before they were 'softened' for today's children.
If you want a change from Disney, if you like a butt-kicking, fast-witted but altogether relatable Hero, if you want the warmth that the friendship of the Hero's helper or if you just want to read about fairy tales, then I can definitely recommend this set of Chronicles. Seriously, I can't recommend it highly enough. Absolutely brilliant.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 08, 2015
Merissa (12969 KP) rated Sweet Heat (The Oriania Chronicles) in Books
Mar 20, 2025
SWEET HEAT is part of The Oriania Chronicles and I read this in one sitting! I simply couldn't put it down and was completely engrossed in Posie and Miller's story.
Told from both perspectives, you get a rounded view of what the other thinks, feels, and is going through. I really felt for Posie and her wanting to move out. Although her parents were loving, she needed her own independence. Due to a tragic car accident, Posie has anosmia and so can't smell or taste most foods. In a world where scent-matches are a big deal, poor Miller has to figure out a way of telling Posie he's her mate when things haven't been right between them for a long time. I won't tell you how happy I was when they finally had the opportunity to speak to each other without anyone else butting in!
Their story is set in a world where omegas have different rights and expectations, depending on where they live. Posie is lucky in one regard as she is able to go to college and have her own friends. Of course, she still has to deal with Alpha-holes who think they own the world and everyone in it.
I loved this story so much and want more from the characters I was introduced to. Owen, for all I loathed him at one point, deserves an omega who will shake his world. Niko, as well. Who doesn't love a big softie? And Damien, who supported Miller and never said a word. I'm not sure about Crimson as he seems a little big-headed, but I will read his story to see if he has hidden depths.
Mostly low angst, sweet, and oh-so-hot, this was a brilliant read by a new-to-me author. I only have one question - Where can I find a stalker like Miller? Asking for a friend! Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 17, 2025
Told from both perspectives, you get a rounded view of what the other thinks, feels, and is going through. I really felt for Posie and her wanting to move out. Although her parents were loving, she needed her own independence. Due to a tragic car accident, Posie has anosmia and so can't smell or taste most foods. In a world where scent-matches are a big deal, poor Miller has to figure out a way of telling Posie he's her mate when things haven't been right between them for a long time. I won't tell you how happy I was when they finally had the opportunity to speak to each other without anyone else butting in!
Their story is set in a world where omegas have different rights and expectations, depending on where they live. Posie is lucky in one regard as she is able to go to college and have her own friends. Of course, she still has to deal with Alpha-holes who think they own the world and everyone in it.
I loved this story so much and want more from the characters I was introduced to. Owen, for all I loathed him at one point, deserves an omega who will shake his world. Niko, as well. Who doesn't love a big softie? And Damien, who supported Miller and never said a word. I'm not sure about Crimson as he seems a little big-headed, but I will read his story to see if he has hidden depths.
Mostly low angst, sweet, and oh-so-hot, this was a brilliant read by a new-to-me author. I only have one question - Where can I find a stalker like Miller? Asking for a friend! Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Mar 17, 2025