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Kayla (19 KP) rated If I'd Known in Books
Jun 4, 2018 (Updated Jun 4, 2018)
Lackluster
I loved the Breathing Series. I've read them several times each and keep going back to them because I love Rebecca's story weaving and character development. This novella has neither of those.
If your looking for a rain cloud main character you may enjoy it. She's doom and gloom from beginning to end and it's kind of exhausting.
This novella (I keep calling it that because the length of this can't even qualify as a book) takes place during one single day. Just one. That one day is packed with so much drama, crazy happenings, and arguing that it leaves your head spinning.
You know nothing about any of the characters at the end of this, aside from that they're all incredibly flawed. You'd think you'd learn more about the main character at least, but we've been left with only her bitchy attitude and that she never lies.
As much as I love Rebecca's previous books, I just can't recommend this one.
If your looking for a rain cloud main character you may enjoy it. She's doom and gloom from beginning to end and it's kind of exhausting.
This novella (I keep calling it that because the length of this can't even qualify as a book) takes place during one single day. Just one. That one day is packed with so much drama, crazy happenings, and arguing that it leaves your head spinning.
You know nothing about any of the characters at the end of this, aside from that they're all incredibly flawed. You'd think you'd learn more about the main character at least, but we've been left with only her bitchy attitude and that she never lies.
As much as I love Rebecca's previous books, I just can't recommend this one.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2389 KP) rated The Missing Map of Pirate’s Haven in Books
Jun 20, 2018
Will the Accidental Detectives Find the Pirate Treasure?
Ricky, his brother Joel, and their friends are off to San Diego to help Lisa’s uncle paint his new house. When they arrive, they learn a local legend about a pirate who has buried his treasure in the area. It sounds crazy until Joel finds a couple of silver coins. Meanwhile, Lisa’s uncle is acting strangely. Can Ricky figure out everything that is going on?
I’ve read this book a couple of times now, although it’s been over a decade since the last time I read it, so pieces of the plot came back to me as I was reading. Even so, I was still blown away by how well plotted the book is, with all the clues needed in very plain sight. The characters are strong as well, and they provide some wonderful laughs along the way. The Christian elements is woven in seamlessly and never overwhelms this plot driven middle grade book.
I’ve read this book a couple of times now, although it’s been over a decade since the last time I read it, so pieces of the plot came back to me as I was reading. Even so, I was still blown away by how well plotted the book is, with all the clues needed in very plain sight. The characters are strong as well, and they provide some wonderful laughs along the way. The Christian elements is woven in seamlessly and never overwhelms this plot driven middle grade book.
Gisell Middleton (189 KP) rated Naked We Came (Jake Travis, #5) in Books
Jul 12, 2018
I had a really hard time getting into this novel. The fact that it is fifth in a series, and I had not read the previous four, bothered me but it might not have been so bad had the author put a bit more background into the characters, often imposed without rhyme or reason, whom it felt we should already know and be familiar with. Many previous events from other novels were also referenced often which I felt was akin to joining a conversation, which had already been going on for a very long time, halfway through. The book was a bit sluggish for a large part of the story, finally hitting its stride about 3/4 of the way in. I wasn’t crazy about the cadence of the writing and sometimes it was difficult to discern who was speaking or how many people were part of a scene. Many of the situations lacked insight and seemed incredibly far fetched.
Akward (448 KP) rated Above and Below in Tabletop Games
Aug 4, 2018
Design is awesome (2 more)
Mechanics are fun and easy to teach
Mechanics have lots of replayability
Above and Below is a great introductory game to adventure mechanics. Nothing in the game is difficult, and players can feel accomplished, even in their first game. But there is also enough variety to allow for great replay ability and to still keep the game interesting for experienced tabletop players.
And oh man, is the design awesome. You'll be amazed at the level of detail that went in to the cartoony graphic design.
Ultimately, the biggest downfall is the lack of adventure stories. You might think I'm crazy, because there are 208. But in just a few games, we managed to replay quite a few stories. This is less than ideal, because not knowing the outcomes of the stories is integral to the gameplay. Perhaps this is something that the expansions fix, but I have not played them.
And oh man, is the design awesome. You'll be amazed at the level of detail that went in to the cartoony graphic design.
Ultimately, the biggest downfall is the lack of adventure stories. You might think I'm crazy, because there are 208. But in just a few games, we managed to replay quite a few stories. This is less than ideal, because not knowing the outcomes of the stories is integral to the gameplay. Perhaps this is something that the expansions fix, but I have not played them.
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Reclaimed (Angel's Halo MC #4) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
I absolutely fell in love with this series from page 1! Incredible MC series that follows so many great characters where the guys are all just a bunch of big softies for their women. ;-) I love everyone in this group.. the brothers are tough, alpha bikers who would do anything to protect their women and families. The ladies have all gone through so much and are all so different but all such interesting characters each with crazy stories and pasts of their own.
I've said this in past reviews throughout this series but what I love the most about it is that it follows everyone.. one book does not just cover one character or couple, but you are able to follow along with everyone's story throughout. LOVE IT! I've laughed and cried, feeling so close to these characters and am so sad I've finally reached the end. CAN'T WAIT for more books in this series!! HIGHLY recommended!!
I've said this in past reviews throughout this series but what I love the most about it is that it follows everyone.. one book does not just cover one character or couple, but you are able to follow along with everyone's story throughout. LOVE IT! I've laughed and cried, feeling so close to these characters and am so sad I've finally reached the end. CAN'T WAIT for more books in this series!! HIGHLY recommended!!
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Guardian Angel (Angel's Halo MC #3) in Books
Sep 28, 2018
I absolutely fell in love with this series from page 1! Incredible MC series that follows so many great characters where the guys are all just a bunch of big softies for their women. ;-) I love everyone in this group.. the brothers are hot, tough, alpha bikers who would do anything to protect their women and families. The ladies have all gone through so much and are all so different but all such interesting characters each with crazy stories and pasts of their own.
I've said this in past reviews throughout this series but what I love the most about it is that it follows everyone.. one book does not just cover one character or couple, but you are able to follow along with everyone's story throughout. LOVE IT! I've laughed and cried, feeling so close to these characters and am so sad I've finally reached the end. CAN'T WAIT for more books in this series!! HIGHLY recommended!!
I've said this in past reviews throughout this series but what I love the most about it is that it follows everyone.. one book does not just cover one character or couple, but you are able to follow along with everyone's story throughout. LOVE IT! I've laughed and cried, feeling so close to these characters and am so sad I've finally reached the end. CAN'T WAIT for more books in this series!! HIGHLY recommended!!
Roxanne (13 KP) rated The Wasp Factory in Books
Nov 9, 2018
✭✭ 2 Stars
This was a very difficult book for me to rate so I rated it purely based on 'personal enjoyment'.
Yes the book was dark and clever and so well written but the enjoyment factor just wasn't there for me. Something I can not handle to read about is the abusing, torturing and killing of animals and this book was full of that. I could read an endless amount of books about the killing of people (slashers, thrillers,crime etc.) and not really be phased much but if animals are involved in it then my enjoyment level drops dramatically. I wish I had read other reviews first about this book so then I would of known what this book contains and wouldn't of read it, but I didn't as I worry about stumbling across spoilers.
An excellent look into the minds of the mentally disturbed and a truly crazy ride...it just wasn't for me.
This was a very difficult book for me to rate so I rated it purely based on 'personal enjoyment'.
Yes the book was dark and clever and so well written but the enjoyment factor just wasn't there for me. Something I can not handle to read about is the abusing, torturing and killing of animals and this book was full of that. I could read an endless amount of books about the killing of people (slashers, thrillers,crime etc.) and not really be phased much but if animals are involved in it then my enjoyment level drops dramatically. I wish I had read other reviews first about this book so then I would of known what this book contains and wouldn't of read it, but I didn't as I worry about stumbling across spoilers.
An excellent look into the minds of the mentally disturbed and a truly crazy ride...it just wasn't for me.
KatyShubo (75 KP) rated Big Love - Season 1 in TV
Jan 19, 2019
Characters (2 more)
Bizarrely normal
Theme tune
It’s Big Love from me
Big Love straddles the bizarre and the normal in a way that only they could. You will find yourself finding a favourite wife, (personally I can’t stand Margene- she’s too chirpy)
The cast put in stellar performances which make you feel like their just a normal family.
I love the theme tune and the opening sequence, it’s one of the most onpoint tv openers ever and it beautifully foreshadows things to come.
You will end up falling in love with this crazy, quirky little world.
This has been my choice of tv bingeing for the past few weeks and I had forgotten just how good this show is, it makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes your skin crawl and it will bring out your inner judge and if you are anything like me you will begin googling polygamy because you will want to know if Big Love is real or just a fanciful tale
The cast put in stellar performances which make you feel like their just a normal family.
I love the theme tune and the opening sequence, it’s one of the most onpoint tv openers ever and it beautifully foreshadows things to come.
You will end up falling in love with this crazy, quirky little world.
This has been my choice of tv bingeing for the past few weeks and I had forgotten just how good this show is, it makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes your skin crawl and it will bring out your inner judge and if you are anything like me you will begin googling polygamy because you will want to know if Big Love is real or just a fanciful tale
Skwchance (13 KP) rated The Afterlife of Walter Augustus in Books
Nov 12, 2019
Theory of afterlife (4 more)
Comedy
Love
Uplifting
Supernatural
Ghosts, love and cake
Walter is stick in limbo in the interim, a period of afterlife where you remain until everyone who knew him dies. All his loved ones have moved to yhe final stage of afterlife and he wants to go with them but a book of poems he wrote has been found by a stranger. Now she knows his name he is stuck for longer.
The story follows him and the women who found the book, Letty. She is a sad character who you want things to turn out good for.
The theory of the afterlife is fabulous and made me question whether I would want to stay there forever and be remembered or if I would want to risk moving into the final afterlife.
The characters made me want to shake them into being braver at times but are endearing. The plot is a bit crazy but there are lots of laughs and it is very creative.
The story follows him and the women who found the book, Letty. She is a sad character who you want things to turn out good for.
The theory of the afterlife is fabulous and made me question whether I would want to stay there forever and be remembered or if I would want to risk moving into the final afterlife.
The characters made me want to shake them into being braver at times but are endearing. The plot is a bit crazy but there are lots of laughs and it is very creative.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Monster House (2006) in Movies
Dec 19, 2019 (Updated Jan 14, 2020)
A horror film for children - is what Monster House is marketed as, and it's pretty much just that.
The animation style is different, looks a little ropey by todays standard but is still pretty charming.
The narrative really drags to begin with, with characters who are hard to get on board with (accept the grumpy old man, that guys speaks to me...)
The halfway mark is a turning point. When it becomes clearly obvious that the kids are being terrorized by a living house intent on eating them, it feels like a crazy episode of Scooby Doo.
The final 15 minutes or so are great, and where the animation is at its best. It also packs in a genuinely sad plot point that lends the movie an emotional edge, and it's the exact kind of thing that makes these kind of films good.
There are certainly better animated films out there, but it's not the worst way to spend an hour and a half.
The animation style is different, looks a little ropey by todays standard but is still pretty charming.
The narrative really drags to begin with, with characters who are hard to get on board with (accept the grumpy old man, that guys speaks to me...)
The halfway mark is a turning point. When it becomes clearly obvious that the kids are being terrorized by a living house intent on eating them, it feels like a crazy episode of Scooby Doo.
The final 15 minutes or so are great, and where the animation is at its best. It also packs in a genuinely sad plot point that lends the movie an emotional edge, and it's the exact kind of thing that makes these kind of films good.
There are certainly better animated films out there, but it's not the worst way to spend an hour and a half.