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Zuky the BookBum (15 KP) rated Copycat in Books
Mar 15, 2018
Sometimes you come across a really easy to read and exciting thriller novel, that doesn’t take up too much head space, and is alotta fun… Copycat is exactly that! This one really helped me out of a reading slump, hallelujah!
I can’t turn around to you and say this is the most menacing, gripping and terrific thriller I’ve ever read, but I can say that it’s worth picking up if you’re looking for a non-challenging but exciting read.
The characters in this one are nicely developed, but there was a bit of a lack of connection between me and our main character Sarah. I think if I’d been able to get to know her better, I might have had more sympathy for her in parts, but alas. I found a lot of the family related situations to be very realistic, and liked the dynamic between husband and wife.
As for the rest of the story, the plot wasn’t particularly realistic, but that didn’t ruin the book in any way. Sometimes you just need a story to take you away from real life and give you a fun fictional tale to follow. Now, just because I didn’t feel like this one was extremely realistic, doesn’t mean I didn’t find parts of it creepy! Some of the “stalkers” ploys at getting Sarah nervous and afraid were really creative and menacing!
In the end, I had guessed how the story was going to play out, but I didn’t have a reason as to why it was going to play out that way. Even though I had my theory on the “stalker”, which turned out to be correct, I didn’t find this took away from the excitement of the end of the novel. I still got to enjoy the now knowing of how the book was going to conclude.
Overall, I really enjoyed this thriller and would definitely say it’s one to look out for if you’re looking for something a little less challenging, but still just as exciting to read as some other darker, more meaningful thrillers on the market (like Watching Edie or My Sister’s Bones, for example).
Thanks to HarperCollins for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I can’t turn around to you and say this is the most menacing, gripping and terrific thriller I’ve ever read, but I can say that it’s worth picking up if you’re looking for a non-challenging but exciting read.
The characters in this one are nicely developed, but there was a bit of a lack of connection between me and our main character Sarah. I think if I’d been able to get to know her better, I might have had more sympathy for her in parts, but alas. I found a lot of the family related situations to be very realistic, and liked the dynamic between husband and wife.
As for the rest of the story, the plot wasn’t particularly realistic, but that didn’t ruin the book in any way. Sometimes you just need a story to take you away from real life and give you a fun fictional tale to follow. Now, just because I didn’t feel like this one was extremely realistic, doesn’t mean I didn’t find parts of it creepy! Some of the “stalkers” ploys at getting Sarah nervous and afraid were really creative and menacing!
In the end, I had guessed how the story was going to play out, but I didn’t have a reason as to why it was going to play out that way. Even though I had my theory on the “stalker”, which turned out to be correct, I didn’t find this took away from the excitement of the end of the novel. I still got to enjoy the now knowing of how the book was going to conclude.
Overall, I really enjoyed this thriller and would definitely say it’s one to look out for if you’re looking for something a little less challenging, but still just as exciting to read as some other darker, more meaningful thrillers on the market (like Watching Edie or My Sister’s Bones, for example).
Thanks to HarperCollins for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
<i>Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review </i>
This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://wp.me/p5y0lX-1NL">here</a href>
Skitter is part two of The Hatching trilogy and though it did sort of fall victim to the second book in a trilogy trope it was actually pretty good regardless.
It was a general lull in the mania that was The Hatching that gives you the idea that Boone hasn't finished with the spiders and he hasn't finished telling his story that's for sure.
Skitter is more of a plateau for Boone to pitch the following ideas of where the story is going to go; it follows the same characters from The Hatching and plenty of new ones as they all experience the changes from the first wave of spiders and the transition to the second wave.
The survivalists Gordo, Shotgun and their significant others Amy and Fred become integral to the storyline whereas in the first book they were merely amusing side characters. Development of a weapon that is supposedly able to destroy the spiders takes a good precedent.
Although the series so far has been dark this book was infinitely darker with a lot more death and destruction mostly at the hands of government officials who are in a respect doing what they believe to be the right move. Agent Mike Rich has holed up with his family on an island in the woods and he's feeling particularly twitchy when some folks appear from nowhere.
There was some more scientific deductions about these spiders that potentially could not be actual spiders but could actually be spiders - if that made any sense whatsoever yay. It's left open to have the story continued and hopefully the next book will give me the info I crave.
Skitter wasn't particularly creepy and there was minimal spider action with only a few people being eaten, some weird experiences from civilians and some people jumping the gun with regards to the egg sacs.
In all, the book wrapped up some trailing story arcs nicely and left the story wide open for the next book.
This review can be found on my blog <a href="http://wp.me/p5y0lX-1NL">here</a href>
Skitter is part two of The Hatching trilogy and though it did sort of fall victim to the second book in a trilogy trope it was actually pretty good regardless.
It was a general lull in the mania that was The Hatching that gives you the idea that Boone hasn't finished with the spiders and he hasn't finished telling his story that's for sure.
Skitter is more of a plateau for Boone to pitch the following ideas of where the story is going to go; it follows the same characters from The Hatching and plenty of new ones as they all experience the changes from the first wave of spiders and the transition to the second wave.
The survivalists Gordo, Shotgun and their significant others Amy and Fred become integral to the storyline whereas in the first book they were merely amusing side characters. Development of a weapon that is supposedly able to destroy the spiders takes a good precedent.
Although the series so far has been dark this book was infinitely darker with a lot more death and destruction mostly at the hands of government officials who are in a respect doing what they believe to be the right move. Agent Mike Rich has holed up with his family on an island in the woods and he's feeling particularly twitchy when some folks appear from nowhere.
There was some more scientific deductions about these spiders that potentially could not be actual spiders but could actually be spiders - if that made any sense whatsoever yay. It's left open to have the story continued and hopefully the next book will give me the info I crave.
Skitter wasn't particularly creepy and there was minimal spider action with only a few people being eaten, some weird experiences from civilians and some people jumping the gun with regards to the egg sacs.
In all, the book wrapped up some trailing story arcs nicely and left the story wide open for the next book.
Debbiereadsbook (1449 KP) rated Young Enough (The Age Between Us #2) in Books
Aug 24, 2018
You need book one first!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book two in The Age Between Us set, and you MUST read book one, Old Enough, before you read this one, it is not a stand alone.
I'm not gonna write a blurby bit, cos I might give something away!
When it all starts to unravel for Jane, and indeed for Brian, together, and separately, its like a ball rolling down a hill. As it moves, it gets faster and faster, and for Jane and Brian, things move at great speed, one thing after another after another, til the only way is for them both to walk away. When reading this unraveling, its like Oh My God. Then its, No Freaking WAY! And SAY WHAT NOW!!!
Because Pauls chucks so many, so bloody MANY things at this couple, and at us, it's a wonder they are still standing. So many twists and turns, so much that came totally out of left field, that I was totally blown away with the plot twists!
I've filed it on the darker/grittier shelf, because some of the things that are thrown at Brian and Jane need that tag. But if I tell you what they are, that would give plot lines away, so if anyone wants to know, please feel free to message me, and I will tell you, but I'm not doing that here.
BUT!!!
It's again, first person present tense, from both Jane and Brian's point of view. And as much as I loved this book, more so than the first, I still can't get past that. And for that I'm sorry!
Its very well written, though and you really do feel for both Brian and Jane when things start to go wrong. Strangely, I felt more for Brian than I did for Jane. Well I did, up to a point, and after that point?? It was Jane I felt more for!
So, even though I enjoyed this one more than book one, I still can't get past the present tense .....
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
This is book two in The Age Between Us set, and you MUST read book one, Old Enough, before you read this one, it is not a stand alone.
I'm not gonna write a blurby bit, cos I might give something away!
When it all starts to unravel for Jane, and indeed for Brian, together, and separately, its like a ball rolling down a hill. As it moves, it gets faster and faster, and for Jane and Brian, things move at great speed, one thing after another after another, til the only way is for them both to walk away. When reading this unraveling, its like Oh My God. Then its, No Freaking WAY! And SAY WHAT NOW!!!
Because Pauls chucks so many, so bloody MANY things at this couple, and at us, it's a wonder they are still standing. So many twists and turns, so much that came totally out of left field, that I was totally blown away with the plot twists!
I've filed it on the darker/grittier shelf, because some of the things that are thrown at Brian and Jane need that tag. But if I tell you what they are, that would give plot lines away, so if anyone wants to know, please feel free to message me, and I will tell you, but I'm not doing that here.
BUT!!!
It's again, first person present tense, from both Jane and Brian's point of view. And as much as I loved this book, more so than the first, I still can't get past that. And for that I'm sorry!
Its very well written, though and you really do feel for both Brian and Jane when things start to go wrong. Strangely, I felt more for Brian than I did for Jane. Well I did, up to a point, and after that point?? It was Jane I felt more for!
So, even though I enjoyed this one more than book one, I still can't get past the present tense .....
4 stars
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Lee (2222 KP) rated The Haunting of Hill House in TV
Oct 20, 2018
Outstanding
I'm not familiar with the book that this Netflix show is based on, but then from what I understand this is meant to be more a 'remix' of the book anyway. All I can say though is, faithful to the book or not, this is without a doubt one of the most incredibly brilliant shows I have seen in a very long time.
The Haunting of Hill House is all about the Crain family, flitting between then, now, yesterday and varying points in their lives. From their early years of living in a haunted house and having to leave quickly one night following their mothers suicide, to adulthood and trying to keep it all together in order to live some kind of normal life. The show takes a little while to settle in and to get comfortable with who is the adult version of which child (there are 5 children in total) and where they're all currently at in their lives, but after that the show just goes from strength to strength. Taking a few episodes to cover each child's story, all the while carefully taking the time occasionally to go back to their childhood life in the house, piecing things together for us. Continuing to add layers to each character and highlighting key points in those early years that subsequently affect their behaviour towards other family members as grown ups. It's like a much darker version of 'This is Us', with added horror and jump scares!
Whenever I read any positive reviews for the movie Hereditary, everything they describe about what made it great for them is totally what I got out of this show. It's the complete opposite to what I got from Hereditary, and I came away from that just feeling angry, frustrated and hugely disappointed. With The Haunting of Hill House though, every episode gripped me, sticking with me for a long time after. Episodes featuring beautifully elaborate long takes draw you into the drama, camera weaving between and around the characters and scenery, creating opportunities for some fantastic effects, especially within the house at night. Perfectly paced storytelling, effective without overly used scares, and some truly heartbreaking sadness at times. I loved it all, from start to finish.
The Haunting of Hill House is all about the Crain family, flitting between then, now, yesterday and varying points in their lives. From their early years of living in a haunted house and having to leave quickly one night following their mothers suicide, to adulthood and trying to keep it all together in order to live some kind of normal life. The show takes a little while to settle in and to get comfortable with who is the adult version of which child (there are 5 children in total) and where they're all currently at in their lives, but after that the show just goes from strength to strength. Taking a few episodes to cover each child's story, all the while carefully taking the time occasionally to go back to their childhood life in the house, piecing things together for us. Continuing to add layers to each character and highlighting key points in those early years that subsequently affect their behaviour towards other family members as grown ups. It's like a much darker version of 'This is Us', with added horror and jump scares!
Whenever I read any positive reviews for the movie Hereditary, everything they describe about what made it great for them is totally what I got out of this show. It's the complete opposite to what I got from Hereditary, and I came away from that just feeling angry, frustrated and hugely disappointed. With The Haunting of Hill House though, every episode gripped me, sticking with me for a long time after. Episodes featuring beautifully elaborate long takes draw you into the drama, camera weaving between and around the characters and scenery, creating opportunities for some fantastic effects, especially within the house at night. Perfectly paced storytelling, effective without overly used scares, and some truly heartbreaking sadness at times. I loved it all, from start to finish.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018) in Movies
Dec 28, 2018 (Updated Dec 28, 2018)
A brilliant concept
Black Mirror is one of those series that is very divisive, people either seem to love it or hate it. I absolutely adore it. I love the bleak, technology driven alternate reality based stories, it’s fascinating and a worrying insight into what our future could become. I only found out yesterday that they were releasing this feature length standalone on Netflix, and when I found out it was a ‘choose your own ending’ type story, I couldn’t have been more excited. And it really does not disappoint.
The choose your own adventure style is flawless. I was worried it’d be clunky, slow or disrupt the flow of the scene, but it really is immaculate. The scene carries on while you choose, and choosing is simple, although you do have to be quite quick. It starts off with a few innocuous choices but then soon descends into ones that are a lot darker, and in some cases a lot funnier too. When you get to whatever ending you’ve reached, it allows you to go back and change some of your choices to see how the outcome would’ve differed, exactly like you’d do if you were reading a choose your ending Goosebumps book - flicking back and choosing a different option. On watching some of the alternate options, I soon realised some of the ones I’d picked were the best choices!
The plot itself is interesting and relevant, and also very meta as the story goes along, which for me really helped involve me as a watcher. There are some very bleak, gruesome and funny moments in this, which is really exactly what you’d expect from Charlie Brooker and even gets you questioning your own reality. Fionn Whitehead is great as Stefan, after this and Dunkirk he’s sure to do well. My only negative is that the story seemed to unfold very slowly in parts, but this could have all been down to the choices I made.
This is a fantastic concept for Black Mirror, and I’d love to see it used in other parts of the series. Albeit very sparingly, as it is something that could get old quite quickly if overused. But for Bandersnatch, it was a delight to watch, and take part.
The choose your own adventure style is flawless. I was worried it’d be clunky, slow or disrupt the flow of the scene, but it really is immaculate. The scene carries on while you choose, and choosing is simple, although you do have to be quite quick. It starts off with a few innocuous choices but then soon descends into ones that are a lot darker, and in some cases a lot funnier too. When you get to whatever ending you’ve reached, it allows you to go back and change some of your choices to see how the outcome would’ve differed, exactly like you’d do if you were reading a choose your ending Goosebumps book - flicking back and choosing a different option. On watching some of the alternate options, I soon realised some of the ones I’d picked were the best choices!
The plot itself is interesting and relevant, and also very meta as the story goes along, which for me really helped involve me as a watcher. There are some very bleak, gruesome and funny moments in this, which is really exactly what you’d expect from Charlie Brooker and even gets you questioning your own reality. Fionn Whitehead is great as Stefan, after this and Dunkirk he’s sure to do well. My only negative is that the story seemed to unfold very slowly in parts, but this could have all been down to the choices I made.
This is a fantastic concept for Black Mirror, and I’d love to see it used in other parts of the series. Albeit very sparingly, as it is something that could get old quite quickly if overused. But for Bandersnatch, it was a delight to watch, and take part.
Merissa (12929 KP) rated Blue Jay (London Stories #3) in Books
Oct 28, 2019
Blue Jay is the third book in the London Stories series. Chris featured in Liam and Ali's story, but now he has his own. Alex has just come out of the prison, with secrets he doesn't want to share.
Oh my. Seriously!!! This is an amazing book and a brilliant addition to the series. Alex is most definitely a gentle giant who has made mistakes and has no intention of repeating them. Once you have a place in his heart, that's it. You're there for life. And Chris finds himself there, he just doesn't understand how. Their relationship is smooth and gentle, which considering their pasts is absolutely the way to go. The most obvious thing is it shows just how much Chris thinks of Alex, even if he won't admit it. Alex is a rock though, and isn't willing to let Chris push him away.
There are a whole host of characters in this book that you will either love or loathe. I loved Dex, but Alex's family grated on me until towards the end. The same with Chris' mum, Annette. I won't tell you how big the smile was on my face with one of the last scenes between her and Chris. You'll just have to read it for yourself, and figure out why I was smiling!
I loved how Chris' pronouns changed dependent upon their mood, and I ADORED that Alex accepted it all - no judgements, only questions to try and help him understand. This was written as first person, present tense, which isn't my favourite way of reading. It does help with getting into the mind of the character, but sometimes I wasn't ready for it to change. Even so, it was a fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I have no hesitation in recommending it or the series as a whole. Perfect for those who like their romance a little darker.
* 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!
Oh my. Seriously!!! This is an amazing book and a brilliant addition to the series. Alex is most definitely a gentle giant who has made mistakes and has no intention of repeating them. Once you have a place in his heart, that's it. You're there for life. And Chris finds himself there, he just doesn't understand how. Their relationship is smooth and gentle, which considering their pasts is absolutely the way to go. The most obvious thing is it shows just how much Chris thinks of Alex, even if he won't admit it. Alex is a rock though, and isn't willing to let Chris push him away.
There are a whole host of characters in this book that you will either love or loathe. I loved Dex, but Alex's family grated on me until towards the end. The same with Chris' mum, Annette. I won't tell you how big the smile was on my face with one of the last scenes between her and Chris. You'll just have to read it for yourself, and figure out why I was smiling!
I loved how Chris' pronouns changed dependent upon their mood, and I ADORED that Alex accepted it all - no judgements, only questions to try and help him understand. This was written as first person, present tense, which isn't my favourite way of reading. It does help with getting into the mind of the character, but sometimes I wasn't ready for it to change. Even so, it was a fantastic book that I thoroughly enjoyed, and I have no hesitation in recommending it or the series as a whole. Perfect for those who like their romance a little darker.
* 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 Kick-Ass (2010) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
Kick-Ass starts out as a clever action movie with good humor interspersed throughout the first half, but by the second half the jokes trail off as the movie takes a blacker turn toward a mindless and confusing tale of morality.
Viewing this movie as a mindless action flick, it is impressive and at times humorous, albeit that humor, in the immersive first half, is deadened by the much darker scenes toward the end of the film. But if you’re trying to find a deeper message hidden behind the motivations and actions of the characters on screen, you perhaps would be better served by reading the comic first. The violence was surprisingly graphic for what started out as a clever and somewhat endearing highschool drama about not fitting in and trying to change the world for the better.
As the director of Layer Cake and Stardust, Matthew Vaughn has shown before that he knows how to do action and fantasy, and in this movie, the action scenes are tight and gripping and slightly surreal. You may even recognize a few cameos if you’re familiar with Guy Ritchie films.
Aaron Johnson, as the title character, brings a smart vulnerability to his part. As an overly ambitious, but well meaning comic book fan, his stabs at super-heroics were quite believable.
This movie may be titled Kick-Ass, but the most interesting character is Hit-Girl, played by Chloë Grace Moretz. Quite a few child actors come across as precocious, and Moretz is a welcome change. She shares some great scenes with Nicolas Cage, a vengeful father who has turned his 11 year-old daughter into a killing machine. Cage’s deadpan humor as Big Daddy matches surprisingly well with the giddy, foul-mouthed, black humor of Hit-Girl.
In a way, I may be doing the movie a disservice if I were to dwell on the plot holes, morality, and thematic elements of this movie which are clearly not the focused intent of the director. Not every movie is intended to be a deep and meaningful reflection on life, so in that regard, this movie is simply a blood-drenched charmer.
Viewing this movie as a mindless action flick, it is impressive and at times humorous, albeit that humor, in the immersive first half, is deadened by the much darker scenes toward the end of the film. But if you’re trying to find a deeper message hidden behind the motivations and actions of the characters on screen, you perhaps would be better served by reading the comic first. The violence was surprisingly graphic for what started out as a clever and somewhat endearing highschool drama about not fitting in and trying to change the world for the better.
As the director of Layer Cake and Stardust, Matthew Vaughn has shown before that he knows how to do action and fantasy, and in this movie, the action scenes are tight and gripping and slightly surreal. You may even recognize a few cameos if you’re familiar with Guy Ritchie films.
Aaron Johnson, as the title character, brings a smart vulnerability to his part. As an overly ambitious, but well meaning comic book fan, his stabs at super-heroics were quite believable.
This movie may be titled Kick-Ass, but the most interesting character is Hit-Girl, played by Chloë Grace Moretz. Quite a few child actors come across as precocious, and Moretz is a welcome change. She shares some great scenes with Nicolas Cage, a vengeful father who has turned his 11 year-old daughter into a killing machine. Cage’s deadpan humor as Big Daddy matches surprisingly well with the giddy, foul-mouthed, black humor of Hit-Girl.
In a way, I may be doing the movie a disservice if I were to dwell on the plot holes, morality, and thematic elements of this movie which are clearly not the focused intent of the director. Not every movie is intended to be a deep and meaningful reflection on life, so in that regard, this movie is simply a blood-drenched charmer.
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated The Lion King (2019) in Movies
Aug 1, 2019
Nothing will beat the original
Contains spoilers, click to show
As a lover of the original movie i was dubious about watching this one. I eventually gave in and watched it at our local independant cinema.
As soon as the first 'Naaaaa' started i felt chills as it sounded very much like the original, the whole circle of life opening scene was actually spectacular and mesmerising to watch and i thought "wow this is gonna be fantastic", but then the movie properly started............
We see a longer than neccesary scene of a mouse making his way towards scar before he captures it, again visual effects was superb but as soon as the talking started i cringed, it was spoken with no real emotion and no expression, it seemed all one tone.
Mufasas death scene was over quicker than it started. In the original there's more build up to simba realising he's dead and in all honesty i cry like a baby every single time, but in the new one nothing! They could have at least given simba some tears or lowered his ears or something but nope.
The hyenas didn't have much humour and are much darker in this than the original, they don't have the same connection with scar.
Admittedly once timon and pumbaa came on the scene i started to enjoy it, their humour is spot on and i laughed every time they were on screen. Though i was disappointed they didn't do the hula song.
The fight scene at the end was amazing to watch, it went on a lot longer than the original but it was good it showed more of a fight rather being over in a flash.
I enjoyed the songs in the movie although i did think beyonce way over sung in can you feel the love tonight, it started off lovely but there are some songs you shouldn't wail.
All in all it wasn't great but it wasn't terrible either. Would i watch it again? Not on purpose no, but maybe if it came on tv and there was nothing else on. I'll stick to the original.
As soon as the first 'Naaaaa' started i felt chills as it sounded very much like the original, the whole circle of life opening scene was actually spectacular and mesmerising to watch and i thought "wow this is gonna be fantastic", but then the movie properly started............
We see a longer than neccesary scene of a mouse making his way towards scar before he captures it, again visual effects was superb but as soon as the talking started i cringed, it was spoken with no real emotion and no expression, it seemed all one tone.
Mufasas death scene was over quicker than it started. In the original there's more build up to simba realising he's dead and in all honesty i cry like a baby every single time, but in the new one nothing! They could have at least given simba some tears or lowered his ears or something but nope.
The hyenas didn't have much humour and are much darker in this than the original, they don't have the same connection with scar.
Admittedly once timon and pumbaa came on the scene i started to enjoy it, their humour is spot on and i laughed every time they were on screen. Though i was disappointed they didn't do the hula song.
The fight scene at the end was amazing to watch, it went on a lot longer than the original but it was good it showed more of a fight rather being over in a flash.
I enjoyed the songs in the movie although i did think beyonce way over sung in can you feel the love tonight, it started off lovely but there are some songs you shouldn't wail.
All in all it wasn't great but it wasn't terrible either. Would i watch it again? Not on purpose no, but maybe if it came on tv and there was nothing else on. I'll stick to the original.
The Hostage's Daughter: A Story of Family, Madness, and the Middle East
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In this gripping blend of reportage, memoir, and analysis, a journalist and daughter of one of the...
Goodheart's Photoguide to Common Pediatric and Adult Skin Disorders
Herbert Goodheart and Mercedes Gonzales
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Dr. Goodheart's award-winning and highly regarded guide to skin disorders has been fully updated in...