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Caffeinated Fae (464 KP) rated Owned in Books
Apr 4, 2019
I wasn't quite sure what to read so I turned to my extremely large Kindle library to find a book that would hold my attention. I've never read a book by M. Never so I wasn't quite sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised.
Owned deals with various dark and twisted themes. Readers should know that it deals with the following: Coercion, Kidnapping, Rape, & Abuse. If those themes are instant turn-offs, this book isn't for you. Personally, I love a good dark romance so this book was right up my alley.
I cannot give up too much of the plot but I will say that the characters were well written and the plot was intriguing. I was going to give it 4 1/2 caffeinated stars but I felt that at points the book lost track of the plot & sometimes things were divulged in too obvious of ways. I would have loved it if it flowed better and didn't feel forced at times.
The shining stars of the book were the main characters. Ellie & Kayne were so much fun to read about. I loved Ellie & her snark. The snarkiness was fun and made her more relatable. Kayne was interesting and kept my attention as well. I would have loved to learn more about him. I also LOVED Jett. He was such a fun character and I really can't wait to read more of this series.
All in all, the book was good and anyone that enjoys a good dark romance is sure to enjoy this one. It would also be a decent beginner book for people who want to dip their toes into dark romances. It wasn't too dark though it dealt with darker themes.
Owned deals with various dark and twisted themes. Readers should know that it deals with the following: Coercion, Kidnapping, Rape, & Abuse. If those themes are instant turn-offs, this book isn't for you. Personally, I love a good dark romance so this book was right up my alley.
I cannot give up too much of the plot but I will say that the characters were well written and the plot was intriguing. I was going to give it 4 1/2 caffeinated stars but I felt that at points the book lost track of the plot & sometimes things were divulged in too obvious of ways. I would have loved it if it flowed better and didn't feel forced at times.
The shining stars of the book were the main characters. Ellie & Kayne were so much fun to read about. I loved Ellie & her snark. The snarkiness was fun and made her more relatable. Kayne was interesting and kept my attention as well. I would have loved to learn more about him. I also LOVED Jett. He was such a fun character and I really can't wait to read more of this series.
All in all, the book was good and anyone that enjoys a good dark romance is sure to enjoy this one. It would also be a decent beginner book for people who want to dip their toes into dark romances. It wasn't too dark though it dealt with darker themes.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2352 KP) rated The Narrows (Harry Bosch, #10; Harry Bosch Universe, #13) in Books
May 22, 2019
Harry Bosch Vs. The Poet
The Poet is back, and he is calling out FBI agent Rachel Walling. She has been summoned from a field office in South Dakota to a burial scene in Las Vegas to help the FBI track down this serial killer once and for all. Meanwhile, retired LAPD detective Harry Bosch has been asked to investigate the death of a friend by his widow. Everyone thought this death was natural causes, but Bosch begins to agree that there was something suspicious about his death. Where will the investigation lead?
While The Poet wasn’t originally part of the Harry Bosch series, this is a direct sequel to that Michael Connelly book. If you haven’t read it, you’ll definitely want to since it spoils twists in that book, and the story here will mean more to you as well. It is obvious to us that these two investigations are going to come together, and Connelly does a great job of keeping us entertained as he lays that ground work. We get plenty of twists as we go along, and the book kept me engrossed until we reached the very end. We get some follow up on the twist in Bosch’s personal life from the end of the previous book, and I enjoyed seeing his character grow as a result. The rest of the cast is just as strong, which is no surprise. We get the story from Bosch’s first-person point of view as well as the third-person point of view of other characters; these switches are never confusing and really enhance the story. Obviously, this is a darker book than my normal cozies, but I knew that going in and that didn’t bother me. This is another masterpiece from a wonderful writer.
While The Poet wasn’t originally part of the Harry Bosch series, this is a direct sequel to that Michael Connelly book. If you haven’t read it, you’ll definitely want to since it spoils twists in that book, and the story here will mean more to you as well. It is obvious to us that these two investigations are going to come together, and Connelly does a great job of keeping us entertained as he lays that ground work. We get plenty of twists as we go along, and the book kept me engrossed until we reached the very end. We get some follow up on the twist in Bosch’s personal life from the end of the previous book, and I enjoyed seeing his character grow as a result. The rest of the cast is just as strong, which is no surprise. We get the story from Bosch’s first-person point of view as well as the third-person point of view of other characters; these switches are never confusing and really enhance the story. Obviously, this is a darker book than my normal cozies, but I knew that going in and that didn’t bother me. This is another masterpiece from a wonderful writer.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2352 KP) rated Forget Me Knot in Books
May 25, 2019
Can Martha Solve a Knotty Murder?
Martha Rose and her friends Lucy and Birdie was considering expanding their Tuesday quilting group, but when they show up to Claire Terry’s house that Tuesday morning, they find Claire’s dead body. Then, one of her quilts is stolen from an expo that weekend, and Martha really begins to wonder what is happening. Is the quilt theft related to Claire’s death?
I don’t tend to pick up as many crafting cozies as I do other sub-genres, but I’m glad I made an exception for this book. The pacing was a little uneven early on, but the book is setting up a great second half, and that half completely had me hooked as the twists began to come quickly, leading to a great climax. The book does venture into some darker waters for a cozy, but I felt it handled them well. The characters, both series regulars and suspects, are all strong, and I really began to like the main trio by the end. I did find the very occasional political sniping in the first half a little off putting. I suspect it was supposed to be funny, but I didn’t find it that way. Hopefully, this is dropped as the series progresses. Unlike many cozies, this one is set in the suburban sprawl of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County. This is just south of where I live, so I enjoyed seeing places I recognize in the book, and I still felt this had the cozy charm despite the larger setting. It is easy to see why this series has done well, and I hope to find time for the sequel at some point soon.
I don’t tend to pick up as many crafting cozies as I do other sub-genres, but I’m glad I made an exception for this book. The pacing was a little uneven early on, but the book is setting up a great second half, and that half completely had me hooked as the twists began to come quickly, leading to a great climax. The book does venture into some darker waters for a cozy, but I felt it handled them well. The characters, both series regulars and suspects, are all strong, and I really began to like the main trio by the end. I did find the very occasional political sniping in the first half a little off putting. I suspect it was supposed to be funny, but I didn’t find it that way. Hopefully, this is dropped as the series progresses. Unlike many cozies, this one is set in the suburban sprawl of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County. This is just south of where I live, so I enjoyed seeing places I recognize in the book, and I still felt this had the cozy charm despite the larger setting. It is easy to see why this series has done well, and I hope to find time for the sequel at some point soon.
Yvonne (12 KP) rated The Devil and the Muse in Books
Jun 9, 2019
The immediate threat is over and happy to live in Italy with Gabriel and her family, Coco is getting more comfortable with her gifts. But when a concerned friend and her paintings highlighted the plight of teenage girls, Coco knows that the Allegiance has got to step in. However, with the team have to split up to cover two missions, things go from bad to worse.
Due to the majority of the characters already known to us, the book seemed to flow a lot quicker and the story was fast paced. Whilst Coco still had a major role to play, the story concentrated on some of the other characters and we learn a lot more about Pelayo, an El Salvadoran vampire and Sabine, a doctor who fights for the vulnerable. Also helping the Allegiance was a vampire with a surprising background. Whilst the main mission concentrates on the missing girls, Prudence has her own mission and it gives us the chance to meet some of her ancestors and learn more about her life. Whilst we know that Kenan is behind the trouble, the story goes further to explain why he is the way his.
Due to the nature of the subject matter, this story came across a lot darker than book 1, but this just helps enforce just what Coco and company are up against. As I mentioned it was a faster pace due to the fact there was always something going on. The art still played a big part in the story and the picturesque descriptions of the paintings enable you to imagine them as you are reading.
A good addition to this fantasy series and I am looking forward to reading The Immortal Muse which came out on 31st March 2019
Due to the majority of the characters already known to us, the book seemed to flow a lot quicker and the story was fast paced. Whilst Coco still had a major role to play, the story concentrated on some of the other characters and we learn a lot more about Pelayo, an El Salvadoran vampire and Sabine, a doctor who fights for the vulnerable. Also helping the Allegiance was a vampire with a surprising background. Whilst the main mission concentrates on the missing girls, Prudence has her own mission and it gives us the chance to meet some of her ancestors and learn more about her life. Whilst we know that Kenan is behind the trouble, the story goes further to explain why he is the way his.
Due to the nature of the subject matter, this story came across a lot darker than book 1, but this just helps enforce just what Coco and company are up against. As I mentioned it was a faster pace due to the fact there was always something going on. The art still played a big part in the story and the picturesque descriptions of the paintings enable you to imagine them as you are reading.
A good addition to this fantasy series and I am looking forward to reading The Immortal Muse which came out on 31st March 2019
Michael Packner (32 KP) rated The Strangers (2008) in Movies
Jun 15, 2019
The suspense is off the charts. Bryan Bertino creates tension like very few can. You can't even breathe at times, especially on a first viewing. (5 more)
The Strangers themselves are crafted to perfection from the iconic masks to their mannerisms to their lack of a true motive.
The symbolism is heavy throughout. It takes multiple viewings to catch it all. Look at the busted windshield at the end for one example.
The use of music as another character is absolutely brilliant. Each tune was used to perfection.
The camerawork and set design are off the charts given the budget Bertino had to work with.
The ending. Not every horror story has a happy ending. This one was a beautiful and glorious gut punch.
The very last scene. If Bertino had been allowed to keep the exact ending he wanted this would've been 1000 times more impactful. (1 more)
The sound. When things are quiet you can hear a pin drop, but when a noise comes it blows out your eardrum.
Why are you doing this to us?
Because you were home.
This is my favorite film of all time. To me, this film is literally horror nirvana. This remains to this day the only film to ever truly scare me. This isn't some fake supernatural hocus pocus. This is reality. While the film may only be INSPIRED by true events, and not something that actually happened, it could happen, and it does happen...every day, whether you want to come to terms with it or not. The crazy thing is that if Bertino had been able to do this his way without any studio intervention, this film would've been 10 times darker and 10 times better. I don't care what anyone says, this film is a horror heavyweight that pays true homage to the birth era of horror.
Because you were home.
This is my favorite film of all time. To me, this film is literally horror nirvana. This remains to this day the only film to ever truly scare me. This isn't some fake supernatural hocus pocus. This is reality. While the film may only be INSPIRED by true events, and not something that actually happened, it could happen, and it does happen...every day, whether you want to come to terms with it or not. The crazy thing is that if Bertino had been able to do this his way without any studio intervention, this film would've been 10 times darker and 10 times better. I don't care what anyone says, this film is a horror heavyweight that pays true homage to the birth era of horror.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Nov 19, 2018
I didn't get it
I have to admit, I haven't seen the first film so it is possible my enjoyment of this suffered as a result. But my wife has and it sounds like I shouldn't have needed to see that to get this.
For me, the film was all over the place, plot-wise. It is cleat it was devised as a film rather than adapted from a book. It seems like the plot was simply used to justify the big effects set pieces they had planned. A number of times characters make odd choices for odder reasons and just happen to end up in the thick of the action and a number of revelations made are either so obvious, totally irrelevant (the necklace) or confusing (so were the babies switched or not?!).
I didn't really like Newt as a character, he reminds me too much of the public school boys with the foppish hair I see on the train every morning, doing their homework at the last possible moment and blocking the aisle with their massive kit bags. Ahem, anyway.
Jonny Depp as the baddie was a massive missed opportunity. He could have been so much darker and more mysterious, instead he was more a disapproving teacher, just looking down his nose at everyone and muttering. There was no real sense of evil. Now that I think of it, I couldn't actually say what his "crimes" were, other than escaping prison and murdering a family and living in their home. After that, he was more like a politician than anything else.
And Nicolas Flamel - what was that all about - why was he there at all?
All in all, I just did not enjoy it and thought it a mess of a film with no attempt at a valid plot and no ending.
For me, the film was all over the place, plot-wise. It is cleat it was devised as a film rather than adapted from a book. It seems like the plot was simply used to justify the big effects set pieces they had planned. A number of times characters make odd choices for odder reasons and just happen to end up in the thick of the action and a number of revelations made are either so obvious, totally irrelevant (the necklace) or confusing (so were the babies switched or not?!).
I didn't really like Newt as a character, he reminds me too much of the public school boys with the foppish hair I see on the train every morning, doing their homework at the last possible moment and blocking the aisle with their massive kit bags. Ahem, anyway.
Jonny Depp as the baddie was a massive missed opportunity. He could have been so much darker and more mysterious, instead he was more a disapproving teacher, just looking down his nose at everyone and muttering. There was no real sense of evil. Now that I think of it, I couldn't actually say what his "crimes" were, other than escaping prison and murdering a family and living in their home. After that, he was more like a politician than anything else.
And Nicolas Flamel - what was that all about - why was he there at all?
All in all, I just did not enjoy it and thought it a mess of a film with no attempt at a valid plot and no ending.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Fame (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
I love musicals so whenever the big guys at the studios decide to remake a classic like “Fame”(1982), I get, well, nervous. How could there be a remake of a film that is so well associated with the 1980s without mocking current audience’s film going standards? Would a new “Fame” be possible without the time period that created it in the first place?
“Fame” follows the year-by-year story of a group of kids who apply to and later attend the New York Academy of Performing Arts. The story follows their growth as performers and as people in the never forgiving streets of New York City. The film has the expected music, dancing, and moral tales about the harsh realities of people in search of that ever-elusive “Fame”.
Littered in guest stars ranging from “Frasier’s” Kelsey Grammer to “Will and Grace’s” Megan Mullally, “Fame” seemed less like the remake of a musical and more like a star studded Ellen show.
Still, there are some exceptional performances from less seasoned stars like Anna Maria Perez de Tagle who plays young aspiring actress Joy and Natuari Naughton as Denise a classical pianist who dreams of singing.
While the film is good, it lacks the heart of a truly engrossing musical. The acting is decent and the choreography is excellent but this modernized version of “Fame” complete with Barenaked Ladies song jokes is no “Chicago”. Moreover, the new version of “Fame” varies significantly from the classic, with hip-hop tracks and a rhythm heavy version of the classic theme song. For many the biggest downside to this musical is sure to be the less than engrossing musical numbers.
Like a darker “High School Musical” for a slightly older audience, “Fame” is a decent film worth a watch, but it will not have you singing a medley in your living room.
“Fame” follows the year-by-year story of a group of kids who apply to and later attend the New York Academy of Performing Arts. The story follows their growth as performers and as people in the never forgiving streets of New York City. The film has the expected music, dancing, and moral tales about the harsh realities of people in search of that ever-elusive “Fame”.
Littered in guest stars ranging from “Frasier’s” Kelsey Grammer to “Will and Grace’s” Megan Mullally, “Fame” seemed less like the remake of a musical and more like a star studded Ellen show.
Still, there are some exceptional performances from less seasoned stars like Anna Maria Perez de Tagle who plays young aspiring actress Joy and Natuari Naughton as Denise a classical pianist who dreams of singing.
While the film is good, it lacks the heart of a truly engrossing musical. The acting is decent and the choreography is excellent but this modernized version of “Fame” complete with Barenaked Ladies song jokes is no “Chicago”. Moreover, the new version of “Fame” varies significantly from the classic, with hip-hop tracks and a rhythm heavy version of the classic theme song. For many the biggest downside to this musical is sure to be the less than engrossing musical numbers.
Like a darker “High School Musical” for a slightly older audience, “Fame” is a decent film worth a watch, but it will not have you singing a medley in your living room.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated 500 Days of Summer (2009) in Movies
Aug 9, 2019
The ever-quirky Zooey Deschanel stars alongside Joseph Gordon-Levitt reemerging from “10 Things I Hate About You” in the odd tale “(500) Days of Summer”.
This is the story of Tom an unhappy greeting card writer (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who falls for his boss’s personal assistant, Summer (Zooey Deschanel). As the two become friends Summer reveals to the infatuated Tom that she does not believe in love. Dispute her disbelief the two begin spending time together and eventually friendship blossoms into an intimate relationship. This must be love, right?
Summer and Tom begin an on again off again romance, that centers around Tom’s constant optimism that she is indeed the one for him. But Summer’s inconsistent reactions and lack of desire for commitment leave the audience wondering how the scenario is going to work out.
The film uses a five hundred day counter to expose the story in a non-linear fashion, which would have been interesting if it had anything to do with the plot. There was no mystery unearthed or even character traits exposed through the wacky timeline, it simply kept viewers constantly aware of Tom’s unfortunate situation.
Among the film’s highlights are a choreographed dance sequence, interesting split screen photography, and sensational employment of color. Additionally simple yet strong costume choices, artistic use of architecture, fun music and witty interpersonal banter carry this otherwise depressing film.
Creating an overall disenchantment with relationships and a seething dislike for Summer make this film is far from jovial, but it does offer a darker perspective into the realistic nature of relationships.
Both leads deliver strong performances but the film was unexpectedly melancholy. “(500) Days of Summer” is simply trying too hard and making viewers feel bad in the process.
This is the story of Tom an unhappy greeting card writer (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who falls for his boss’s personal assistant, Summer (Zooey Deschanel). As the two become friends Summer reveals to the infatuated Tom that she does not believe in love. Dispute her disbelief the two begin spending time together and eventually friendship blossoms into an intimate relationship. This must be love, right?
Summer and Tom begin an on again off again romance, that centers around Tom’s constant optimism that she is indeed the one for him. But Summer’s inconsistent reactions and lack of desire for commitment leave the audience wondering how the scenario is going to work out.
The film uses a five hundred day counter to expose the story in a non-linear fashion, which would have been interesting if it had anything to do with the plot. There was no mystery unearthed or even character traits exposed through the wacky timeline, it simply kept viewers constantly aware of Tom’s unfortunate situation.
Among the film’s highlights are a choreographed dance sequence, interesting split screen photography, and sensational employment of color. Additionally simple yet strong costume choices, artistic use of architecture, fun music and witty interpersonal banter carry this otherwise depressing film.
Creating an overall disenchantment with relationships and a seething dislike for Summer make this film is far from jovial, but it does offer a darker perspective into the realistic nature of relationships.
Both leads deliver strong performances but the film was unexpectedly melancholy. “(500) Days of Summer” is simply trying too hard and making viewers feel bad in the process.
Merissa (12919 KP) rated Breaking the Mold (The Gray Eyes Series Book, #2) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Breaking the Mold is the second book in the Grey Eyes series and is set in a different town, with different characters (mainly). This book is darker than the first, with a creepy, psychotic powerlifter who thinks he can have what - and who - he wants as just one of the 'bad guys'. Olivia has always been a Daddy's Girl, but things are changing and she can no longer adhere to his rulings completely. Luckily for Olivia, her mother is on her side, and helps her every which way she can. Alex is the gentle but strong hero, who wants nothing more than to reconnect with Olivia after 10 years apart. Will she be the same girl his memories show him, or not. Will she even remember him?
This book is exceptionally well written, with a storyline that drags you in and won't let go. Violence is a part of the story, and it wouldn't be the same without it. It is there by design and is not gratuitous. With mystery and suspense, this book will keep you on your toes. It is pretty obvious just who the other 'bad guys' are, but the how and whys remain unknown until you read further along.
With a similar cliff-hanger ending, this book is a complete story in itself, whilst whetting your appetite for the next book. Although I thoroughly enjoyed Crossing the Barrier and loved Malakai and Lily as characters; there was something about this book, that indefinable 'something' that just pips it to the post for me. A well deserved 5-stars and a need for the next book along. Highly recommended by me.
* I received this book from YA Reads in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This book is exceptionally well written, with a storyline that drags you in and won't let go. Violence is a part of the story, and it wouldn't be the same without it. It is there by design and is not gratuitous. With mystery and suspense, this book will keep you on your toes. It is pretty obvious just who the other 'bad guys' are, but the how and whys remain unknown until you read further along.
With a similar cliff-hanger ending, this book is a complete story in itself, whilst whetting your appetite for the next book. Although I thoroughly enjoyed Crossing the Barrier and loved Malakai and Lily as characters; there was something about this book, that indefinable 'something' that just pips it to the post for me. A well deserved 5-stars and a need for the next book along. Highly recommended by me.
* I received this book from YA Reads in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Children of Hurin in Books
Nov 11, 2019
One of the key things that makes The Lord of the Rings so enduring is that it sits on thousands of years of history and stories all plotted in detail by Tolkien before he even conceived of his epic trilogy. This is one of those stories, an outline of which appears in the Silmarillion, and familiarity with that book is advised before reading this one.
Set in Beleriand at a time when Morgoth ruled over the land from his fortress of Angband, this is a tragedy on the scale of Hamlet. Principally telling the tale of Túrun son of Húrin it follows his life as he becomes the leader of an outlaw band leading the fight back against Morgoth, the elves and dwarves having essentially retreated to their core lands and given up. His actions motivate the races into action and give hope that Morgoth can be defeated.
But this comes at a cost. Túrin is cursed and doomed to ultimate failure. The last third of the book is pretty grim as everything he has worked for and everything he holds dear is destroyed by his own actions, taken in good faith at the time. There can be no happy ending.
The tone, therefore, is a shade darker than the darkest passages of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's deep knowledge of his invented folklore is still to the fore and it is good to see how the world of elves looked in its prime rather than the faded and jaded view we get in the tales of the War of the Ring. It is not an easy read by any means, but it is a worthwhile one for anyone who wants to know more about the tales of Beleriand.
Set in Beleriand at a time when Morgoth ruled over the land from his fortress of Angband, this is a tragedy on the scale of Hamlet. Principally telling the tale of Túrun son of Húrin it follows his life as he becomes the leader of an outlaw band leading the fight back against Morgoth, the elves and dwarves having essentially retreated to their core lands and given up. His actions motivate the races into action and give hope that Morgoth can be defeated.
But this comes at a cost. Túrin is cursed and doomed to ultimate failure. The last third of the book is pretty grim as everything he has worked for and everything he holds dear is destroyed by his own actions, taken in good faith at the time. There can be no happy ending.
The tone, therefore, is a shade darker than the darkest passages of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien's deep knowledge of his invented folklore is still to the fore and it is good to see how the world of elves looked in its prime rather than the faded and jaded view we get in the tales of the War of the Ring. It is not an easy read by any means, but it is a worthwhile one for anyone who wants to know more about the tales of Beleriand.