Search
Search results
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated This Poison Heart in Books
Jul 8, 2021
Wonderful and captivating YA fantasy
Briseis knows she has a rare gift--with just a touch, she can grow plants. But this gift also attracts attention. So when she inherits an estate in rural New York from a relative, Briseis and her moms see this as a chance to get away and perhaps learn to control her power. Upon arriving at her new home, Briseis finds it to be beautiful--and mysterious. The property is filled with secret gardens and the house itself with notes and clues about her family's past. Then the local townsfolk start showing up at Briseis' doorstep, and she realizes the house once served as an apothecary. Briseis has an uncanny knack for whipping up the healing potions everyone desires, but the more she investigates, she realizes there is a darker side to the house and its powers. One that could have dangerous consequences for Briseis and her entire family.
"I was pretty sure that growing a poisonous bush in the park wasn't what they had in mind for how I should spend my summer."
This was a completely awesome book! The story is totally engrossing. There are poisonous plants, secret gardens, Greek mythology, and a gothic vibe--what's not to love? Briseis is an amazing character. She's strong, brave, and tough; she's also bisexual and loved unconditionally by her two moms, Mom and Mo. The book offers such a great family dynamic, with an excellent attitude toward adoption. It's no big deal that Bri is bi or that she has two Moms--it's just a fact of life. How I appreciate that in a YA book.
"'Did I--did I inherit the Addams Family Mansion?'"
I've read several books lately with Greek mythology and didn't care for them, but this one broke the mold. The stories are woven in perfectly and add to the plot flawlessly. The story is completely captivating and I loved all the strong women in it. It's also part mystery, part myth, which adds to the page-turning aspect. (Be forewarned, this is book #1, so this ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.)
Overall, cannot recommend this book enough. It's a unique and mesmerizing fantasy. The fact that it's so queer inclusive is lovely. I'll be impatiently waiting for book #2. 4.5 stars.
"I was pretty sure that growing a poisonous bush in the park wasn't what they had in mind for how I should spend my summer."
This was a completely awesome book! The story is totally engrossing. There are poisonous plants, secret gardens, Greek mythology, and a gothic vibe--what's not to love? Briseis is an amazing character. She's strong, brave, and tough; she's also bisexual and loved unconditionally by her two moms, Mom and Mo. The book offers such a great family dynamic, with an excellent attitude toward adoption. It's no big deal that Bri is bi or that she has two Moms--it's just a fact of life. How I appreciate that in a YA book.
"'Did I--did I inherit the Addams Family Mansion?'"
I've read several books lately with Greek mythology and didn't care for them, but this one broke the mold. The stories are woven in perfectly and add to the plot flawlessly. The story is completely captivating and I loved all the strong women in it. It's also part mystery, part myth, which adds to the page-turning aspect. (Be forewarned, this is book #1, so this ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.)
Overall, cannot recommend this book enough. It's a unique and mesmerizing fantasy. The fact that it's so queer inclusive is lovely. I'll be impatiently waiting for book #2. 4.5 stars.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Get Out (2017) in Movies
Jul 12, 2019
ritten and directed by Jordan Peele, “Get Out” is not so much an actual horror film but more of a dark comedy. The plot is filled with political undertones, spotlighting awkward racial interactions that are shadowed by systemic inequality.
Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) and Rose Armitage (Allison Williams) are a vibrant young couple living in the city. He’s a photographer. Not sure what she does. He’s black. She’s white. After dating for four months, Rose convinces Chris to go on a trip to meet her parents. Chris is apprehensive at first and skeptical about how her parents will react to meeting their daughter’s black boyfriend. Rose laughs that off and everything seems fine as they head to the country.
From this point forward the film starts to build in creepiness. It almost has the feel of an M. Night Shayamalan movie like “The Village.” As the plot develops, the audience knows they are supposed to be suspecting something creepy and sinister hiding behind images of normalcy. So everything begins to take on this feel. Rose’s family lives in a creepily perfect mansion in the country. They have a creepily quiet black groundskeeper and a creepily happy black maid.
Fortunately, two things save this film from becoming a hokey Shyamalan style disappointment. The plot is executed in a comedic fashion and it isn’t completely predictable.
The entire film balances a creepy-funny style. Moments of white people awkwardly trying to appear not-racist also build a suspenseful feeling that something darker is behind the surface.
Rose’s mom Missy (Catherine Keener) specializes in hypnosis. It quickly becomes clear that Missy is using mind control tactics to basically enslave black people. Under her spell, her victims take a psychological fall into a dark abyss and are left in a robotic state. It would have been nice if this aspect of the plot was given more screen time.
The film picks up pace when Rose’s parents host a “family” get together that actually turns out to be essentially a “slave” auction. It almost takes too much time to get to this point in the plot. A few more moments, and it would begin to feel like trudging through a repetitious build up. From here forward, it becomes pretty fast paced as Chris desperately tries to escape a horrific fate.
“Get Out” probably won’t actually scare anyone, but it is highly entertaining in a very dark way.
Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya) and Rose Armitage (Allison Williams) are a vibrant young couple living in the city. He’s a photographer. Not sure what she does. He’s black. She’s white. After dating for four months, Rose convinces Chris to go on a trip to meet her parents. Chris is apprehensive at first and skeptical about how her parents will react to meeting their daughter’s black boyfriend. Rose laughs that off and everything seems fine as they head to the country.
From this point forward the film starts to build in creepiness. It almost has the feel of an M. Night Shayamalan movie like “The Village.” As the plot develops, the audience knows they are supposed to be suspecting something creepy and sinister hiding behind images of normalcy. So everything begins to take on this feel. Rose’s family lives in a creepily perfect mansion in the country. They have a creepily quiet black groundskeeper and a creepily happy black maid.
Fortunately, two things save this film from becoming a hokey Shyamalan style disappointment. The plot is executed in a comedic fashion and it isn’t completely predictable.
The entire film balances a creepy-funny style. Moments of white people awkwardly trying to appear not-racist also build a suspenseful feeling that something darker is behind the surface.
Rose’s mom Missy (Catherine Keener) specializes in hypnosis. It quickly becomes clear that Missy is using mind control tactics to basically enslave black people. Under her spell, her victims take a psychological fall into a dark abyss and are left in a robotic state. It would have been nice if this aspect of the plot was given more screen time.
The film picks up pace when Rose’s parents host a “family” get together that actually turns out to be essentially a “slave” auction. It almost takes too much time to get to this point in the plot. A few more moments, and it would begin to feel like trudging through a repetitious build up. From here forward, it becomes pretty fast paced as Chris desperately tries to escape a horrific fate.
“Get Out” probably won’t actually scare anyone, but it is highly entertaining in a very dark way.
Consort (Nobel Reckoning #1)
10.0
Rate It
Book
Could a Fae really satisfy an Omega shifter’s heat? Would he risk his life for the chance to try? ...
Fantasy Romance Omegaverse
Debbiereadsbook (1672 KP) rated Make Them Bleed (Pretty Deadly Things #1) in Books
Sep 25, 2025
dark, but good.
Independent reviewer for BookSirens, I was gifted my copy of this book.
THis is book 1 in a new series by Logan Chance, and it spins off Men of MAddox Security (I think, since I read that series and Dean Maddox pops up here!) But you don't need to have read those for this to make sense. Arrow popped up at some point in the other series, is all.
Juno's sister was murdered, while she live streamed. And Juno sets about finding her killers and getting some justice, somehow. She resorts to the dark web, and meets a masked man who offers to help. Said masked man is none other than her best friend, Arrow, who puts trackers on her computer, so he could keeps a eye on what she was doing in the dark web. CAn he keep his identity a secret, while helping Juno??
Ohhhh! I liked this, a lot!
Juno and Arrow are perfect for each other, even if they have been friends for years!
What I loved most about this, was when Juno finds out who the masked man is, and what he has done, she's not mad, or angry. She understands WHY Arrow does what he does. What she does feel, though, is a whoosh (almost, since it's been brewing a while!) of attraction to Arrow and she forces the issue. Loved the way she does that.
It's dark, Arby, Juno's sister is murdered live streaming. There are some darker forces at work here but I did NOT see where they were coming from. So well played on that front, Mr Chance!
It's steamy, once Juno and Arrow get their act together!
It has some funnier moments, but I wouldn't call this a romantic comedy. Emotional in places, very much so.
A character, right at the beginning, has a say and I wasn't sure why he did for a long time. But it does become clear, in the end.
A huge supporting cast, who I believe will get their own stories. Looking forward to that.
But heads up about this one. The murder is live streamed, and on page, from a viewer's POV. Harrowing reading, but I do think it is needed.
4 VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
THis is book 1 in a new series by Logan Chance, and it spins off Men of MAddox Security (I think, since I read that series and Dean Maddox pops up here!) But you don't need to have read those for this to make sense. Arrow popped up at some point in the other series, is all.
Juno's sister was murdered, while she live streamed. And Juno sets about finding her killers and getting some justice, somehow. She resorts to the dark web, and meets a masked man who offers to help. Said masked man is none other than her best friend, Arrow, who puts trackers on her computer, so he could keeps a eye on what she was doing in the dark web. CAn he keep his identity a secret, while helping Juno??
Ohhhh! I liked this, a lot!
Juno and Arrow are perfect for each other, even if they have been friends for years!
What I loved most about this, was when Juno finds out who the masked man is, and what he has done, she's not mad, or angry. She understands WHY Arrow does what he does. What she does feel, though, is a whoosh (almost, since it's been brewing a while!) of attraction to Arrow and she forces the issue. Loved the way she does that.
It's dark, Arby, Juno's sister is murdered live streaming. There are some darker forces at work here but I did NOT see where they were coming from. So well played on that front, Mr Chance!
It's steamy, once Juno and Arrow get their act together!
It has some funnier moments, but I wouldn't call this a romantic comedy. Emotional in places, very much so.
A character, right at the beginning, has a say and I wasn't sure why he did for a long time. But it does become clear, in the end.
A huge supporting cast, who I believe will get their own stories. Looking forward to that.
But heads up about this one. The murder is live streamed, and on page, from a viewer's POV. Harrowing reading, but I do think it is needed.
4 VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1672 KP) rated The Goblin King's Mischief in Books
Oct 29, 2024
The world building is excellent and you can digest each little new bit of information as it comes.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
When Melody first met Aodh, they were but children, but they promised themselves to each other. When Melody's father found out, he was not happy, and bound Aodh memories of Melody, and took her away. Now, on the verge of being made the mistress of another king, she does something drastic to win the Goblin King's heart. The road to true love is never easy, as Melody soon finds out. Can she make Aodh see her, really SEE that she is his, in every way?
I really only have one niggle about this book! Only Melody gets a say and I really REALLY wanted to hear from Aodh as well. I think, for me, had he been given a say, this would be a 5 star read from me.
That said, what Melody does say is that she gets across all of that heartbreak she faced when her father took her away. All of the emotion she feels, when she makes the dangerous decision to outsmart the Goblin King. And the pain she feels, when Aodh pushes her away.
There is a large supporting cast, with a betrayal thrown in, coming from a very unexpected source! But given the choice this person had to make, you can see why they did it. Melody's brother did something a bit questionable, but he got the answers he needed for Melody.
It's not especially explicit, but there is much emotion here. It's more about Melody winning Aodh over, rather than getting into his bed. Although, she wants that too :0 Some ideas are a little darker, but perfectly normal for this world. Melody is promised to another king as his mistress, and her parents are very happy about that.
No real violence, either.
The world building is excellent. Not everything is thrown at you all at once, and you can digest each little new bit of information as it comes. You can immerse yourself into this world, so beautifully.
First I've read of this author, I'd like to read more.
4 very VERY good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this!
When Melody first met Aodh, they were but children, but they promised themselves to each other. When Melody's father found out, he was not happy, and bound Aodh memories of Melody, and took her away. Now, on the verge of being made the mistress of another king, she does something drastic to win the Goblin King's heart. The road to true love is never easy, as Melody soon finds out. Can she make Aodh see her, really SEE that she is his, in every way?
I really only have one niggle about this book! Only Melody gets a say and I really REALLY wanted to hear from Aodh as well. I think, for me, had he been given a say, this would be a 5 star read from me.
That said, what Melody does say is that she gets across all of that heartbreak she faced when her father took her away. All of the emotion she feels, when she makes the dangerous decision to outsmart the Goblin King. And the pain she feels, when Aodh pushes her away.
There is a large supporting cast, with a betrayal thrown in, coming from a very unexpected source! But given the choice this person had to make, you can see why they did it. Melody's brother did something a bit questionable, but he got the answers he needed for Melody.
It's not especially explicit, but there is much emotion here. It's more about Melody winning Aodh over, rather than getting into his bed. Although, she wants that too :0 Some ideas are a little darker, but perfectly normal for this world. Melody is promised to another king as his mistress, and her parents are very happy about that.
No real violence, either.
The world building is excellent. Not everything is thrown at you all at once, and you can digest each little new bit of information as it comes. You can immerse yourself into this world, so beautifully.
First I've read of this author, I'd like to read more.
4 very VERY good stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Debbiereadsbook (1672 KP) rated The Omega Assassin (Wolves of the Five Kingdoms #3) in Books
Oct 30, 2025
well played with the wolf twist!
I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the Wolves of the Five Kingdoms series, and you don't need to have read the others before this one. Helpful, but not necessary.
Casteel shifted into a silver wolf when he was scared by a snake. He is then plunged into a life he never wanted. Nero is sent to kill the one who claims to be the silver wolf of prophecy. But when their eyes connect across the courtyard, Something in Casteel's eyes make him falter and then both men are drawn into a world of power and politics that might well cost them both their lives.
I loved book 1, gave it five stars. Book 2 got four but I read it on KU and didn't write a review. This book I found to be on a par with book 3.
Casteel doesn't want this life, the High Priest Doran using all sorts of ways to "persuade" the silver wolf out. It's clear until much later in the book WHY he wants to wolf, but he makes it very clear he wants the wolf under his power. Nero offers Casteel a way out, and CAsteel would have taken it, he really would but Nero ends up being his mate and then there is all sorts of back stabbing and double crossing and I wasn't sure which was way up sometimes!
It's quite a bit darker, I think, than the other two books. Casteel suffers badly at the hands of Doran and Nero has suffered fighting for the rebellion. Once Doran grabs power, it's very clear he is not concerned about the people of this land, just what he can get out of them and he will do whatever he wants.
Not especially explicit, for a fated mates/werewolf/paranormal book but I loved that it wasn't.
What this book is about is more than the smex between these two. It's about dealing with the hand that fate dealt you, and doing what you need to do to free your people from under a madman. Even if that might get you killed.
Just a note, very well played with the wolf! Never saw that coming!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the Wolves of the Five Kingdoms series, and you don't need to have read the others before this one. Helpful, but not necessary.
Casteel shifted into a silver wolf when he was scared by a snake. He is then plunged into a life he never wanted. Nero is sent to kill the one who claims to be the silver wolf of prophecy. But when their eyes connect across the courtyard, Something in Casteel's eyes make him falter and then both men are drawn into a world of power and politics that might well cost them both their lives.
I loved book 1, gave it five stars. Book 2 got four but I read it on KU and didn't write a review. This book I found to be on a par with book 3.
Casteel doesn't want this life, the High Priest Doran using all sorts of ways to "persuade" the silver wolf out. It's clear until much later in the book WHY he wants to wolf, but he makes it very clear he wants the wolf under his power. Nero offers Casteel a way out, and CAsteel would have taken it, he really would but Nero ends up being his mate and then there is all sorts of back stabbing and double crossing and I wasn't sure which was way up sometimes!
It's quite a bit darker, I think, than the other two books. Casteel suffers badly at the hands of Doran and Nero has suffered fighting for the rebellion. Once Doran grabs power, it's very clear he is not concerned about the people of this land, just what he can get out of them and he will do whatever he wants.
Not especially explicit, for a fated mates/werewolf/paranormal book but I loved that it wasn't.
What this book is about is more than the smex between these two. It's about dealing with the hand that fate dealt you, and doing what you need to do to free your people from under a madman. Even if that might get you killed.
Just a note, very well played with the wolf! Never saw that coming!
4 very VERY good stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Jamie (131 KP) rated Shimmer and Burn in Books
Jul 30, 2017
Unique magic concept (2 more)
Fast paced and engaging story
Dreamy male lead
Bland main character (1 more)
Details about the world and magic is mildly confusing
Threading blood magic in a dying world
Shimmer and Burn was much much darker than I expected and I LOVED it. A locked away kingdom ruled by a ruthless king, forbidden blood magic that is both beautiful and deadly, a power hungry princess, a dying world infested with diseased cannibals–this book had it all. That is, except for the main character, Faris.
This book was almost perfect for me, but I just wish that Faris wasn’t so bland. The book is carried by an extremely strong plot and well developed side characters but.. well the story just sort of happens to Faris. She is constantly made out to be a fighter but she ends up running or needing to be saved almost every time. She has one central motivation, her sister, and some heartbreak over Thaelan, but that’s really all her character really has going for her.
Thankfully the other characters help drive the plot forward. I’ve never been one to fawn over book boyfriends but that changed with North. I really like North and Faris together, even though their romance sort of shows up out of thin air in a mild case of instalove. I would expect characters to talk and have more interaction before they go falling “in love.” It’s not the worst thing in the world, I still liked the characters and their romance so I was willing to look past that.
My favorite part of the book is the absolutely incredible magic system which is unlike any other I’ve ever read. Magic is described as being beautiful like threads that can just as easily fray and destroy the magic wielder if not handled with care. It is treated as something alien, even for the humans with a natural born ability to wield it. I can’t overstate enough how much I love this concept. The intricate political relationships in this novel is also extremely well done and I’m so excited to read the next book.
A fair warning though, this book is definitely not for the faint of heart. While the romance may be clean, the violence definitely isn’t. This book isn’t the goriest I’ve ever read but it does not shy away from the gruesome details. If you can stomach the gritty content then I highly recommend this book, it’s one of the best YA books I’ve read in a while.
This book was almost perfect for me, but I just wish that Faris wasn’t so bland. The book is carried by an extremely strong plot and well developed side characters but.. well the story just sort of happens to Faris. She is constantly made out to be a fighter but she ends up running or needing to be saved almost every time. She has one central motivation, her sister, and some heartbreak over Thaelan, but that’s really all her character really has going for her.
Thankfully the other characters help drive the plot forward. I’ve never been one to fawn over book boyfriends but that changed with North. I really like North and Faris together, even though their romance sort of shows up out of thin air in a mild case of instalove. I would expect characters to talk and have more interaction before they go falling “in love.” It’s not the worst thing in the world, I still liked the characters and their romance so I was willing to look past that.
My favorite part of the book is the absolutely incredible magic system which is unlike any other I’ve ever read. Magic is described as being beautiful like threads that can just as easily fray and destroy the magic wielder if not handled with care. It is treated as something alien, even for the humans with a natural born ability to wield it. I can’t overstate enough how much I love this concept. The intricate political relationships in this novel is also extremely well done and I’m so excited to read the next book.
A fair warning though, this book is definitely not for the faint of heart. While the romance may be clean, the violence definitely isn’t. This book isn’t the goriest I’ve ever read but it does not shy away from the gruesome details. If you can stomach the gritty content then I highly recommend this book, it’s one of the best YA books I’ve read in a while.
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Chocolat (Chocolat #1) in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I have lost count of the number of times I have watched the movie that is based off of this book, so I figured it was time for me to read the book. Like most movies based on books, the movie is only about half true to the book. In this case though, that did not really bother me.
Joanne Harris has a way of writing that has me savoring every word like one of Vianne Rocher's fine chunks of dark chocolate. What I would have given for a few recipes of the dishes she served in La Celeste Praline, especially the pots of chocolate that were served as frequently as coffee. The descriptions of the various confectioneries and even the non-chocolate dishes were detailed with a light touch, so that I never felt too overwhelmed -- but I still wanted to dive into the pages all the same.
All of the characters, large parts and small, were unique and original, even down to the quirky preferences and hidden burdens. I could easily relate to Armande's attraction to the color red and her unrefined mannerisms, as well as Guillaume's indulgence of his pet dog. So many of the characters could pass for people that I encounter every day -- from Roux's skepticism to Josephine's renewed independence to Caro's need to control. These characters will stay with me for a long time.
Probably the most interesting character, aside from Vianne Rocher, is the town's priest, Pere Reynaud. Like most of the rest of the town, he masks inner demons and makes up for them with his profession of choice. Though those inner torments are slowly revealed through the course of the book, I don't feel that his story was completely resolved, or that he even experienced any true character growth.
Vianne Rocher is certainly the most creative character in the book, both easily likeable and eternally mysterious. Haunted by memories of a nomadic lifestyle with her mother, she intermittently addresses her conflicting desires to both travel and put down roots even as her simple, self-taught cooking and hospitality brings about subtle and lasting change in the village of Lansquenet. A thread of fantasy runs through the plot as Vianne hints at the ability to read people's thoughts, choosing not to influence them, and consults her mother's tarot cards in her darker hours of contemplation. She even adds a touch of magic and mystery to her Chocolaterie to draw the wary villagers into the shop. Oh, what I would give to pay a visit to that amazing place myself.
Joanne Harris has a way of writing that has me savoring every word like one of Vianne Rocher's fine chunks of dark chocolate. What I would have given for a few recipes of the dishes she served in La Celeste Praline, especially the pots of chocolate that were served as frequently as coffee. The descriptions of the various confectioneries and even the non-chocolate dishes were detailed with a light touch, so that I never felt too overwhelmed -- but I still wanted to dive into the pages all the same.
All of the characters, large parts and small, were unique and original, even down to the quirky preferences and hidden burdens. I could easily relate to Armande's attraction to the color red and her unrefined mannerisms, as well as Guillaume's indulgence of his pet dog. So many of the characters could pass for people that I encounter every day -- from Roux's skepticism to Josephine's renewed independence to Caro's need to control. These characters will stay with me for a long time.
Probably the most interesting character, aside from Vianne Rocher, is the town's priest, Pere Reynaud. Like most of the rest of the town, he masks inner demons and makes up for them with his profession of choice. Though those inner torments are slowly revealed through the course of the book, I don't feel that his story was completely resolved, or that he even experienced any true character growth.
Vianne Rocher is certainly the most creative character in the book, both easily likeable and eternally mysterious. Haunted by memories of a nomadic lifestyle with her mother, she intermittently addresses her conflicting desires to both travel and put down roots even as her simple, self-taught cooking and hospitality brings about subtle and lasting change in the village of Lansquenet. A thread of fantasy runs through the plot as Vianne hints at the ability to read people's thoughts, choosing not to influence them, and consults her mother's tarot cards in her darker hours of contemplation. She even adds a touch of magic and mystery to her Chocolaterie to draw the wary villagers into the shop. Oh, what I would give to pay a visit to that amazing place myself.
graveyardgremlin (7194 KP) rated Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Retreat (Season 8, Volume 6) in Books
Feb 15, 2019
<b>Sorry, this is kinda more ranty then when I started out, and probably not very well-written. You've been warned. Also, no spoilers are revealed in my <s>rant</s> review</b> (though that was hard not to do ;P)<b>.</b>
Why do I keep reading this series? Why do I expect it to get any better? Or even come close to resembling what the show was about in the first place? What in the Sam Hell is wrong with me that I persist in reading this travesty? Ack!
Again, the plot is ludicrous, the characters don't always feel true to form, the witty banter is nearly non-existent, and the illustrations are making the characters indistinguishable from one another, most especially the darker haired girls, such as Faith, Dawn, and Kennedy (Why exactly isn't she gone yet?). The villain, Twilight, isn't very interesting and I wonder how much longer it's going to be before the big reveal. Just get to it already, will ya? Amy and Warren also need to go. Lame is the word that comes to mind when I think of them. Old characters who have long exceeded their welcome, and Amy in particular doesn't add anything anymore; she's run her course, let's move on now. Oz was a mixed bag, I liked some of what happened to him since he left Sunnydale and some...not so much. The interactions between him and Willow were rather weird and didn't seem to fit where they had left off exactly. Willow herself was quite angsty and I don't understand how she got to that place at this time. Perhaps I've forgotten something from a previous entry.
Gone is the show I've known and loved, instead they've decided to pull out all the stops, literally, and we're left with this bizarre mess. I don't know if they made a deal with the devil or what, but everything has been thrown into this story, including the kitchen sink, with no rhyme or reason. Do they know what control is, or careful selection, or do they just not care? I don't expect graphic novels to be as detailed as a TV show, but this whole season has gotten more and more ridiculous as it has went on and I cannot fathom why I'm torturing myself. Oh, I know, it's great entertainment. I want to see how much further they can destroy the memory of a great show. Does this deserve two stars? Probably not, but I can't help myself, apparently. Bah!!
Why do I keep reading this series? Why do I expect it to get any better? Or even come close to resembling what the show was about in the first place? What in the Sam Hell is wrong with me that I persist in reading this travesty? Ack!
Again, the plot is ludicrous, the characters don't always feel true to form, the witty banter is nearly non-existent, and the illustrations are making the characters indistinguishable from one another, most especially the darker haired girls, such as Faith, Dawn, and Kennedy (Why exactly isn't she gone yet?). The villain, Twilight, isn't very interesting and I wonder how much longer it's going to be before the big reveal. Just get to it already, will ya? Amy and Warren also need to go. Lame is the word that comes to mind when I think of them. Old characters who have long exceeded their welcome, and Amy in particular doesn't add anything anymore; she's run her course, let's move on now. Oz was a mixed bag, I liked some of what happened to him since he left Sunnydale and some...not so much. The interactions between him and Willow were rather weird and didn't seem to fit where they had left off exactly. Willow herself was quite angsty and I don't understand how she got to that place at this time. Perhaps I've forgotten something from a previous entry.
Gone is the show I've known and loved, instead they've decided to pull out all the stops, literally, and we're left with this bizarre mess. I don't know if they made a deal with the devil or what, but everything has been thrown into this story, including the kitchen sink, with no rhyme or reason. Do they know what control is, or careful selection, or do they just not care? I don't expect graphic novels to be as detailed as a TV show, but this whole season has gotten more and more ridiculous as it has went on and I cannot fathom why I'm torturing myself. Oh, I know, it's great entertainment. I want to see how much further they can destroy the memory of a great show. Does this deserve two stars? Probably not, but I can't help myself, apparently. Bah!!
Little Ray Of Sunshine (41 KP) rated Damage in Books
Jan 11, 2019 (Updated Feb 10, 2019)
Book Review | Damage by Eve Ainsworth
Blurb
HOW CAN YOU HEAL IF YOU CAN'T FACE YOU PAST?
Confident, Popular Gabi has a secret - A secret so terrible she can't tell her family, or her best friend,
she can't even take pleasure in her beloved skateboarding any more. One day, an impulse turns to something darker
Gabi has never felt so alone. But then she learns that not everyone has wounds you can see.
A searing look at self-harm and acceptance from hugely talented Author Eve Ainsworth.
Review
When reading this book I felt attached to the character Gabi as I know how it feels to lose your Grandad as mine passed away last year. It does make a gap in the family and feel weird.
It was sad that Gabi couldn't tell her parents how she felt and how it is making her feel as her parents always busy running their pub.
When Gabi starts to self-harm she felt so alone and this is the only way to release the sadness and pain. She felt she couldn't tell her best friend and her friends she skates about with as she felt they wouldn't want to be friends with her and she felt they would think she doing it just for attention.
I haven't read a book about self-harm before and I feel I want to read more about Mental Health through fiction and non-fiction books. I read this book during 'Mental Health Awareness Week' and I feel this needs to spread and let people at school to read it as I knew a few of my girl friends who self harmed when I was in Secondary School. I felt there was enough support in school when people who are getting bullied or needs someone professional to talk to and listen to them. I admit at the time my friends where doing this I was there to listen but I felt helpless and didn't know what advice to give them.
What is helpful from this book is the Author Eve Ainsworth has included organizations at the back of the book to help people. I will include them too below:
YOUNG MINDS: www.youngminds.org.uk
HARMLESS: www.harmless.org.uk
THE WISH CENTRE: www.thewishcentre.org.uk
RETHINK: www.rethink.org
MIND: www.mind.org.uk
Or if you need to talk to someone, the following organizations are there 24 hours a day.
CHILDLINE: www.childline.org.uk
Phone: 0800 1111
THE SAMARITANS
www.samaritans.org
Phone: 116 123
If you have anymore organizations you know and would like to include please comment below.
Thanks for reading x
HOW CAN YOU HEAL IF YOU CAN'T FACE YOU PAST?
Confident, Popular Gabi has a secret - A secret so terrible she can't tell her family, or her best friend,
she can't even take pleasure in her beloved skateboarding any more. One day, an impulse turns to something darker
Gabi has never felt so alone. But then she learns that not everyone has wounds you can see.
A searing look at self-harm and acceptance from hugely talented Author Eve Ainsworth.
Review
When reading this book I felt attached to the character Gabi as I know how it feels to lose your Grandad as mine passed away last year. It does make a gap in the family and feel weird.
It was sad that Gabi couldn't tell her parents how she felt and how it is making her feel as her parents always busy running their pub.
When Gabi starts to self-harm she felt so alone and this is the only way to release the sadness and pain. She felt she couldn't tell her best friend and her friends she skates about with as she felt they wouldn't want to be friends with her and she felt they would think she doing it just for attention.
I haven't read a book about self-harm before and I feel I want to read more about Mental Health through fiction and non-fiction books. I read this book during 'Mental Health Awareness Week' and I feel this needs to spread and let people at school to read it as I knew a few of my girl friends who self harmed when I was in Secondary School. I felt there was enough support in school when people who are getting bullied or needs someone professional to talk to and listen to them. I admit at the time my friends where doing this I was there to listen but I felt helpless and didn't know what advice to give them.
What is helpful from this book is the Author Eve Ainsworth has included organizations at the back of the book to help people. I will include them too below:
YOUNG MINDS: www.youngminds.org.uk
HARMLESS: www.harmless.org.uk
THE WISH CENTRE: www.thewishcentre.org.uk
RETHINK: www.rethink.org
MIND: www.mind.org.uk
Or if you need to talk to someone, the following organizations are there 24 hours a day.
CHILDLINE: www.childline.org.uk
Phone: 0800 1111
THE SAMARITANS
www.samaritans.org
Phone: 116 123
If you have anymore organizations you know and would like to include please comment below.
Thanks for reading x